COL.   DANIEL    E.  HUNGERFORD. 


LIFK 


COLONEL  DANIEL  E,  HUNGERFORD 


I.    I.    MURPHY 


HARTFORD,  CONN. 

PRESS  OF  THE  CASE,  LOCKVVOOD  &  BRAINARD  COMPANY 
1891 


PREFACE, 


AT  the  Re-union  of  the  Veterans  of  the  Mexican  War, 
held  at  the  Hotel  Continental,  Paris,  September  14,  1889, 
to  celebrate  the  capture  of  the  Capital  of  Mexico  by  the 
army  of  the  United  States,  in  the  year  1847,  an  eloquent 
tribute  was  paid  by  one  of  the  speakers  to  Colonel  Daniel 
E.  Hungerford,  who  bore  a  conspicuous  part  in  that  great 
historic  event. 

As  Colonel  Hungerford's  modesty  of  character  would 
never  permit  him  to  chronicle  his  own  brave  deeds,  he 
has  been  persuaded  by  many  friends  that  it  was  due  to 
his  family,  and  those  who  have  the  privilege  of  his  close 
friendship,  to  allow  his  heroic  achievements  to  be 
recorded  in  this  form. 

I  crave  the  indulgence  of  the  reader  for  my  execution 
of  this  work,  which  is  due  to  the  truth  of  history,  that 
brave  deeds  should  be  kept  in  lasting  remembrance,  and 
that  the  generations  of  Hungerfords  to  come  should  be 
inspired  to  emulate  his  noble  example  as  a  gentleman 

and  a  soldier. 

I.  I.  MURPHY. 

DECEMBER  5,  1889. 


DANIEL   E.   HUNGERFORD. 


CHAPTER   I. 

Ancestry  of  Daniel  E.  Hungerford  —  Description  of  Far- 
leigh  Castle,  Ancestral  Home  of  the  Hungerford  Fam 
ily—The  Chapel  —  The  Monuments  in  the  Chapel  — 
The  Vault  — The  Church  —  The  present  Farleigh 
House. 

NTO  one  has  ever  heard  Colonel  Hungerford 
boast  of  his  ancestry.  Thorough  and 
consistent  American  as  he  is,  he  believes  that 
a  man  makes  his  own  destiny,  and  should  be 
judged  by  the  results  of  his  own  life  work. 
Yet  I  find  by  examining  the  records  that  he 
has  much  cause  for  honest  pride  and  satisfac 
tion  in  the  history  of  the  Hungerfords  that 
have  gone  before  him,  many  distinguished  in 
the  civil  and  military  annals  of  their  time,  as 
shown  by  special  favors  and  exaltations  of 
rank  from  the  sovereigns  under  whom  they 
lived. 

Military  genius  seems  to  have  been  the 
prominent  trait  of  the  Hungerford  race,  and 
as  the  following  pages  unfold  themselves,  the 


2  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

reader  will  conclude  that  the  military  ardor 
and  warlike  spirit  of  his  forefathers  have  not 
been  discredited  through  Colonel  Hungerford's 
endeavors.  Under  the  "  Stars  and  Stripes,"  on 
many  a  hard-fought  field,  in  the  Mexican  War, 
the  Indian  campaigns,  and  the  Civil  War, 
he  has  taken  no  mean  part,  having  on  more 
than  one  occasion  won  the  most  honorable 
mention  from  his  superior  officers. 

To  look  at  Colonel  Hungerford,  the  casual 
observer  would  never  suppose,  from  his  erect 
form,  soldierly  bearing,  and  elastic  step,  that 
three  score  and  ten  years  were  his  to  record, 
years  filled  with  so  many  stirring  incidents, 
midnight  marches,  bloody  battles,  thrilling 
escapes.  With  what  satisfaction  cannot  the 
old  soldier  look  back,  and  tell  the  story  of 
those  years  to  his  kindred  and  friends,  among 
the  peaceful  refinements  of  his  delightful 
home.  Let  many,  many  years  still  be  yours, 
and  may  the  relentless  reaper  long  spare  your 
life  to  those  who  love  you  best ! 


Quoting  freely  from  the  work  of  Rev. 
J.  E.  Jackson,  compiled  from  authentic 
sources,  and  treating  of  the  history  of  the 
Hungerford  family,  and  Farleigh  Castle,  their 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  3 

ancestral  home,  it  seems  that  the  Hungerfords 
originally  came  from  a  town  of  that  name, 
Farleigh,  in  England.  They  had  great  wealth, 
were  contributors  to  monastic  foundations, 
and  to  the  building  of  churches  and  alms- 
houses.  They  were  prominent  supporters  of 
the  House  of  Lancaster,  and  in  that  cause 
suffered  severely  both  in  life  and  fortune. 

Sir  Robert  de  Hungerford,  Knight  of  the 
Shire  of  Wilts,  flourished  about  1325.  A  mon 
ument  to  him  is  still  standing  in  Hungerford 
Church.  His  nephew,  Sir  Thomas,  was 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Commons  during  the 
last  Parliament  of  King  Edward  the  Third, 
having  been  recommended  for  that  office  by 
the  Duke  of  Lancaster.  This  Sir  Thomas 
came  into  possession  of  Farleigh  Castle,  sit 
uated  in  Somerset  County,  England,  in  1369. 
It  had  been  previously  occupied  by  the  Bishop 
of  Lincoln,  afterwards  Lord  Treasurer  and 
Chancellor.  From  that  time  till  1686  it  con 
tinued  to  be  the  principal  seat  of  his  descend 
ants  in  the  county  of  Somerset.  In  that 
county  their  possessions  were  considerable, 
but  in  Wilts  there  were  hardly  any  districts  in 
which  they  were  not  at  some  time  or  another 
land-owners. 

The  Hungerford  crest  is  a  wheat  sheaf  or 


4  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

garb,  rising  out  of  a  ducal  coronet.  Through 
their  own  and  the  adjoining  counties,  their 
crest  could  be  seen  on  many  church  windows 
and  buildings,  it  being  the  custom  of  the 
nobility  to  affix  their  crests  to  their  posses 
sions. 

Sir  Thomas  died  in  1398,  and  was  buried  at 
Farleigh.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 
Walter,  Lord  Hungerford,  Heytesbury,  and 
Hornet,  K.G.,  High  Treasurer  of  England  in 
the  reign  of  Henry  the  Sixth.  He  was  a  most 
distinguished  person,  and  exercised  great  in 
fluence  during  his  time.  The  castle  was  com 
pleted  by  him.  He  built  for  the  convenience 
of  his  parishioners  a  church  (the  present  one) 
standing  outside  the  walls,  instead  of  the  older 
one  within  them.  He  died  in  1449,  and  was 
buried  in  Salisbury  Cathedral,  in  the  "  Iron 
Chapel,"  which  exists  to  this  day. 

Robert,  second  Lord  Hungerford,  married 
Margaret,  heiress  of  the  Botreaux  family  of 
Cornwall.  This  Lord  performed  signal  mili 
tary  service  in  foreign  lands.  His  death 
occurred  in  1459,  and  he  was  buried  in  a 
famil}7  chapel  (now  destroyed)  on  the  north 
side  of  Salisbury  Cathedral.  His  lady,  Mar 
garet,  founded  the  almshouse  at  Heytesbury, 
which  still  remains.  A  monument  to  him  is 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  5 

in  the  row  between  the  arches  on  the  south 
side  of  the  nave  of  Salisbury  Cathedral. 

Robert,  the  third  Lord  Hungerford  and 
Molyns  (in  right  of  his  wife,  the  heiress  of 
that  family),  was  killed  in  the  Wars  of  the 
Roses,  1461.  His  son  and  successor  was  Sir 
Thomas  Hungerford,  who  lived  at  Rowdon, 
near  Chippenham.  His  death  occurred  in 
1469.  At  this  time  the  estates  were  wrong 
fully  taken  from  the  family  by  Edward  the 
Fourth,  and  given  to  his  brother,  Richard, 
Duke  of  Gloucester.  In  1470  a  composition' 
was  made  between  the  Duke  and  Margaret, 
Lady  Hungerford  and  Botreaux,  by  which  he 
took  Farleigh  and  Hungerford  Court,  and  she 
Heytesbury.  The  Duke  of  Gloucester  is  not 
known  to  have  resided  there,  but  his  brother, 
George,  Duke  of  Clarence,  seems  to  have  done 
so,  for  in  this  castle  was  born,  on  the  four 
teenth  of  August,  1573,  his  daughter  Margaret 
Plantagenet,  Countess  of  Salisbury.  In  1483 
the  Duke  of  Gloucester  transferred  Farleigh 
Castle  to  John  Howard,  Duke  of  Norfolk,  who, 
two  years  after,  was  killed  at  Bosworth.  Sir 
Thomas  Hungerford,  who  died,  as  before 
stated,  in  1469  at  Salisbury,  left  one  daughter 
and  heiress,  who  married  Edward,  Lord  Hast 
ings,  and  carried  into  that  family  a  vast 


6  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

number  of  manors.  Farleigh  was  not  of  that 
number.  By  special  arrangement  it  was  kept 
in  the  male  line,  and  in  1485,  after  the  Duke 
of  Norfolk's  death,  it  was  restored  by  Henry 
the  Seventh  to  the  eldest  of  the  second  line  of 
Hungerford,  Sir  Walter.  He  lived  at  Heytes- 
bury,  and  died  there  in  1516.  The  next  owner, 
his  son,  Sir  Edward,  married  a  Zouche,  and 
their  coat-of-arms,  on  stained  glass,  is  now 
in  Farleigh  Church.  He  also  lived  at  Heytes- 
bury,  his  death  occurring  in  1521.  His  son 
Walter  was  created  Lord  Hungerford  of 
Heytesbury,  1536,  he  dying  1540.  At  his 
death  the  estates  again  passed  into  the  hands 
of  the  Crown.  They  were  administered  by 
Lord  Seymour  of  Sudely  (brother  of  Protector 
Somerset),  as  "  High  Steward  of  the  lands 
of  the  Late  Lord  Hungerford,  and  Keeper  of 
the  Castle  and  King's  Park  of  Farleigh,  Hun 
gerford."  The  office  was  afterwards  filled 
by  John  Bonham  and  Sir  Ralph  Hopton  of 
Witham,  near  Frome.  Sir  Walter,  son  of  the 
.Lord  Hungerford  who  died  in  1540,  finally 
recovered  the  lands.  He  "was  a  famous  mil 
itary  man,  and  was  known  as  a  great  warrior. 
He  had  an  only  son,  Edward,  who  died  in 
his  father's  lifetime,  and  at  Sir  Walter's  death, 
1596,  the  estate  passed  to  his  brother,  Sir 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  7 

Edward.  He  died  without  issue  in  1607.  This 
Sir  Edward  purchased  Corsham  Manor. 

Sir  Walter,  who  died  in  1596,  left  three 
daughters,  one  of  whom,  Lucy,  married  a 
kinsman  of  a  junior  branch  of  the  family, 
Sir  Anthony  Hungerford,  of  Black  Bourton, 
County  Oxon.  She  had  a  son,  Edward,  after 
wards  Sir  Edward  Corsham,  to  whom,  being  his 
great  nephew,  the  Sir  Edward  of  1607  be 
queathed  his  estates;  thus  the  Black  Bourton 
branch  succeeded  to  Farleigh. 

Cicely  (Tufton),  Lady  Hungerford,  widow 
of  the  Sir  Edward  who  died  in  1607,  re-married 
Francis  Manners,  sixth  Earl  of  Rutland,  who, 
in  right  of  his  wife,  held  the  estates.  He  died 
in  1632,  the  Countess  in  1653.  It  does  not  ap 
pear  whether  they  lived  at  Farleigh  or  not 
Sir  Edward,  the  great  nephew  above  men 
tioned,  took  a  gallant  part  in  the  Civil  War  of 
Charles  the  First  Farleigh  Castle  seems  to 
have  been  still  held  by  the  Countess  of  Rut 
land,  when  it  was  seized  as  a  garrison,  for  the 
Crown,  Sir  Edward,  at  the  time,  living  at 
Corsham,  which,  as  just  mentioned,  had  been 
purchased  fry  his  great  uncle.  He  married 
Margaret,  daughter  and  co-heiress  of  William 
Halliday,  Alderman  of  London.  He  died  with 
out  issue  in  1648.  His  lady  founded  the  Alms- 


8  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

house  at  Corsham.  She  died  in  1672.  An 
thony  Hungerford,  Esq.,  of  Black  Bourton,  his 
half  brother,  succeeded  him.  The  date  of  his 
death  was  1657.  His  widow,  Rachel,  had  the 
Castle  and  Park,  until  her  death  in  1679.  He 
was  the  father  of  Sir  Edward  Hungerford,  K. 
B,  the  "spendthrift,"  who  squandered  his 
fortunes  and  sold  the  estates  in  1686.  His 
brother,  Thomas  Hungerford,  described  as  "of 
generous  and  adventuresome  disposition,"  is 
the  one  from  whom  Daniel  Elihu  Hungerford  is 
directly  descended.  He  came  to  America 
about  1628. 

The  history  of  Farleigh  Castle  is  very  clear, 
and  easily  traced.  We  find  that  Sir  Thomas 
Hungerford,  who  came  into  possession,  as  pre 
viously  stated,  in  1369,  made. many  additions 
to  the  original  edifice.  He  added  the  moat, 
towers,  etc.,  and  it  was  further  strengthened 
and  beautified  by  his  son,  the  High  Treas 
urer  of  England.  In  that  condition,  Farleigh 
Castle  .continued  to  the  end  of  its  history,  with 
out  much  alteration;  for  John  Aubrey,  of 
Easton  Piers,  the  celebrated  antiquary,  who 
visited  the  place  about  1650-70,  says  it  was  then 
one  of  the  two  houses  (Old  Stourton  House 
being  the  other)  that  were  almost  entirely 
the  same  as  they  had  been  in  the  time  of  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUXGERFORD.  9 

old  English  barons.  The  oldest  known  de 
scription  of  Farleigh  Castle  is  the  following, 
by  Leland,  the  Antiquary,  who  made  a  passing 
visit  in  the  locality,  about  1540-2.  I  extract  as 
below,  preserving  the  old  English : 

"  From  Through-bridge  to  Castelle  Farley  about  a  3  miles 
by  good  corne,  pasture,  and  nere  Farley  self  plenty  of  wood. 
Or  I  came  to  the  Castelle  I  passed  over  Frome  water  passing 
by  there  yn  a  roky  valey  and  botom  where  the  water  brekith 
into  armelettes  and  makith  Islettes  but  soon  metyng  agayn 
with  the  principale  streame,  whereby  there  be  in  the  causey 
divers  smaul  bridges.  This  water  rennith  hard  under  the 
botom  of  this  Castelle,  and  there  driveth  a  mylle.  The 
Castelle  is  set  on  a  rokky  hill.  There  be  diverse  party 
towres  in  the  utter  (outer)  warde  of  the  Castelle.  And  in 
this  utter  warde  ys  an  auncient  chapelle,  and  a  new  chapelle 
annexid  unto  it.  Under  the  arch  of  this  chapelle  lyith,  but 
sumwhat  more  to  the  old  chapelle  warde,  one  of  the  Hunger- 
fordes  with  his  wife. 

"Ther  longgid  2  chauntre  prestes  to  this  chapelle;  and 
they  had  a  praty  mansion  at  the  very  est  end  of  it.  The 
gate-house  of  the  inner  court  of  the  castelle  is  fair,  and  ther 
be  the  armes  of  the  Hungerfordes  richley  made  yn  stone. 

"  The  haule  and  3  chambres  withyn  the  second  court  be 
stately.  There  is  a  commune  saying  that  one  of  the  Hun 
gerfordes  builded  this  part  of  the  castelle  by  the  prey  of  the 
Duke  of  Orleaunce  whom  he  had  taken  prisoner.  Ther  is  a 
parke  by  Farley  Castelle.  Ther  is  also  a  litle  above  the 
Castelle,  a  village." 

When   the   Crown   took  possession   of  the 
estates   in    1540,    the  following   description   is 


IO  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

given  in  the  survey  taken  by  the  officer  of  the 
Crown: 

The  Castell  of  Farlegh   Hungerforde. 

"The  sayde  Castell  standeth  in  a  parke  lenyng  unto  a 
hill  syde,  portly,  and  very  strongly  buylded,  havyng  inward 
and  outward  wardes,  and  in  the  inward  wardes,  many  fayre 
chambres,  a  fayre  large  hall,  on  the  hedde  of  which  hall  iij 
or  iiij  goodly  greate  chambres,  with  fayre  and  strong  roffes, 
and  dyvers  other  fayre  lodginges,  with  all  manner  howses  of 
offices." 

It  appears  that  each  of  the  round  towers  of 
the  castle  was  surmounted  by  a  conical  roof  of 
the  extinguisher  shape,  common  in  the  old 
French  and  Scottish  Castles,  as  was  also  the 
case  at  Nunney  Castle  (Symond's  Diary).  In 
the  British  Museum  (Add.  Mss.  18,674)  a  draw 
ing  has  lately  been  found  w^hich  represents 
Farleigh  Castle  as  it  was  about  1746.  This 
also  shows  the  conical  tops  to  the  tower,  and 
the  west  front. 

The  castle  seems  to  have  figured  extensively 
in  the  military  history  of  the  time.  Archaeo- 
logia,  Vol.  XIV.,  page  121,  says,  "In  Dec.  1644, 
a  writ  issued  from  the  King  at  Oxford  ad 
dressed  to  "  Our  trusty  Sir  Robert  Walsh,  K*. 
Whereas  there  are  now  remayning  good  num 
bers  of  suits  of  Apparell  for  the  clothing  of  our 
army,  at  our  city  of  Bristol,  Nunney  Castle 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  II 

and  Farle}T  Castle.  Our  will  and  pleasure  is 
that  you  immediately  repair  unto  the  said 
places,  and  demand  to  receive  the  said  cloath- 
ing  into  your  custody,  and  convey  them  to  our 
army." 

On  the  fourth  of  the  same  month,  Edmund 
Turnor,  Esq.,  was  appointed  by  Letters  Patent 
to  look  after  the  various  expenses  of  the  King's 
Castles  in  the  West: 

"Charles,  by  the  grace  of  God,  etc,  to  Edmund  Turner, 
Esq,  Treasurer  of  our  Garrisons  of  Bristol,  Bath,  Berke 
ley  Castle,  Nunney,  Farley  Castle  and  Portishead 
Point : 

"Whereas,  for  the  good  and  safetie  of  our  people,  we 
have  thought  fit  to  place  and  settle  several  garrisons  in  the 
said  Castles  and  places,  and  for  the  well  ordering  of  the 
same  :  We  appoint  you  the  said  Edmund  Turnor  to  be 
Treasurer  of  the  said  garrisons,  from  ist  Nov.  last." 

A  newspaper  of  the  day,  "  Perfect  occur 
rences,"  the  sixth  of  September,  1644,  says: 
"Two  Parliamentary  officers,  Wanzey  and 
Dowett,  drew  out  each  a  troop  of  horse  and 
dragoons  from  their  stations  at  Brickworth  and 
West  Deane  (near  Salisbury)  and  went  across 
the  country  towards  Farleigh.  Dowett  arrived 
at  the  Castle;  but  he  declined  making  any  at 
tempt  upon  it,  and  then  marched  into  Somer 
setshire,  with  a  view  of  beating  up  the  neigh 
borhood  of  Philip's  Norton." 


12  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

In  March,  1645,  Sir  William  Waller  at 
tacked  Sir  Francis  Doddington  at  Trow- 
bridge,  who  fell  back  and  occupied  Farley 
Castle.  The  newspaper  "  Vicars'  Burning 
Bush  III.  286,  says:  "  We  understand  that  Far- 
leigh  Castle  in  Somersetshire  (whereof  Colonel 
Hungerford,  brother  of  Sir  Edward,  is  Gover 
nor)  after  a  brave  resistance  has  been  finally 
compelled  to  surrender." 

Sir  Edward  Hungerford,  K.B.,  who  sold 
Farleigh,  died  in  London,  and  was  buried  in 
the  old  church  of  St.  Martin's-in-the-Fields.  It 
has  often  been  said  that  he  reached  the  extraor 
dinary  age  of  115  years,  but  this  is  an  entire 
mistake,  which  has  arisen  from  confounding 
him  with  his  uncle,  Sir  Edward,  whose  monu 
ment  is  in  the  center  of  the  side  chapel.  The 
uncle  having  died  in  1648  aged  52  (as  is  proved 
by  the  date  on  his  tomb),  must  have  been  born 
1596.  The  nephew,  who  sold  Farleigh,  died 
1711.  The  difference  between  1596  and  1711  is 
exactly  115  years,  but  the  error  lies  in  apply 
ing  to  one  individual  dates  that  apply  to  two. 
The  last  Sir  Edward  was  born  1632,  and  conse 
quently  was  79  years  old  at  his  death,  instead 
of  115.  He  had  by  his  first  wife,  Jane  Hele  of 
Devonshire,  a  son,  Edward,  and  a  daughter, 
Rachel,  afterwards  Viscountess  Massareene. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  1 3 

The  son,  following  several  precedents  in  the 
family,  married  the  Lady  Alethea  Compton, 
who,  had  she  lived,  would  have  inherited  a 
moiety  of  the  Dorset  and  Clifford  estates,  but 
both  she  and  her  husband  died  young.  Sir 
Edward  had  by  his  third  wife  another  son, 
who  died  in  1 748. 

In  the  great  sale  by  Sir  Edward  were  in 
cluded  the  manors  of  Farleigh,  Tellisford, 
Wick  Farm,  Hinton  Abbey,  Norton  St. 
Philips,  Rowley,  Wellow,  Road,  and  Lang- 
ham,  with  lands  elsewhere  in  the  neighbor 
hood.  The  whole  was  bought  by  Mr.  Henry 
Baynton  of  Spy  Park.  He  and  Lady  Anne 
(Wilmot,  sister  of  the  Earl  of  Rochester),  his 
wife,  resided  here.  In  1702,  soon  after  his 
death,  the  estates  were  sold  again.  The  ma 
norial  lands  at  Farleigh  were  bought  by  Mr. 
Joseph  Houlton,  ancestor  of  the  present  pro 
prietor,  but  the  castle  itself  did  not  come  into 
possession  of  the  Houltons  until  purchased  by 
them  from  Mr.  Cooper's  family  in  1 730,  by 
which  time  it  had  begun  to  fall  to  decay,  and 
the  materials  to  be  used  for  other  purposes. 

The  principal  entrance  of  Farleigh  Castle 
was  on  the  southeast  side,  where  the  shell 
of  the  gatehouse  still  remains.  Over  the  arch 
is  a  single  sickle  cut  in  stone,  the  oldest  device 


14  DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD. 

used  by  the  Hungerford  family.  Above  this 
is  a  window,  and  higher  up,  though  sometimes 
hidden  by  ivy,  is  a  carved  shield  of  their  arms, 
surmounted  by  a  helmet  and  crest,  and  the 
letters  E.  H.,  for  Edward  Hungerford.  The 
single  apartment  above  the  archway  was  a 
guard  room,  with  a  door  leading  on  to  the 
walls.  There  is  no  trace  of  a  portcullis,  but 
there  are  holes  for  the  beams  of  a  drawbridge. 
From  this  entrance  a  narrow  moat,  walled  and 
paved  with  Keynsham  stone,  went  half  way 
round  along  the  upper,  or  south  and  west 
sides.  The  remains  of  it  were  lately  found 
under  the  ground,  in  front  of  the  archway, 
and  some  portion  of  it  may  still  be  seen  in  the 
orchard  on  the  left  hand.  The  water  was  sup 
plied  by  pipes  from  a  spring  called  the  King's 
Pond,  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  off.  As 
the  ground  on  the  lower  sides  toward  the  north 
and  east  falls  away  very  abruptty,  the  water 
was  held  up  by  a  strong  dam  at  both  ends. 
The  dam  on  the  west  side  was  removed  a  few 
years  ago.  On  the  sides  where  there  was  no 
moat,  the  Castle  was  protected  by  the  steepness 
of  the  knoll  on  which  it  stands. 

UPPER    OR    OUTER     COURT. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  plate  of  the  ground 
plan,  that  the  general  area  was  divided  into 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  15 

two  courts,  the  upper  and  lower.  The  first  is 
entered  directly  on  passing  through  the  gate 
house.  It  contained  the  stables,  guard  rooms, 
etc.,  and  was  formerly  pitched  all  over  with 
stone.  To  the  left,  on  entering,  is  a  high  wall 
running  around  this  upper  court.  This  upper 
wall  formed  the  back  of  the  stables,  etc.,  as  the 
holes  for  the  beams  of  the  flooring  are  still  to 
be  seen  in  it.  There  were  one  or  two  small 
towers  or  bastions  on  this  side,  one  of  which  is 
entered  by  a  crumbing  arch,  a  smaller  one  is 
farther  on.  The  high  wall  went  on  to  another 
entrance,  exactly  opposite  to  that  already  de 
scribed.  Two  fragments  of  thick  masonry  still 
remain  to  mark  where  this  second  entrance 
was.  In  a  corner  close  by  it  were  lately  the 
lower  steps  of  a  winding  staircase,  by  which 
the  rampart  on  this  side  was  mounted. 
Through  this  gate  was  the  exit  to  the  Castle 
Park,  which  lay  on  the  west  and  north  sides. 
A  carriage  road  led  from  it,  winding  under  the 
walls  and  across  the  river  by  a  bridge  (of 
which  some  traces  are  still  left  in  the  bank), 
round  to  the  Trowbridge  Road.  The  Park  ex 
tended  nearly  to  Iford,  and  included  the  hills 
on  both  sides  of  the  river. 

Farleigh  Lodge  Farm  was  a  gamekeeper's 
house,  and  at  the  Dogkennel   Farm  (as  it  is 


1 6  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

still  called)  near  Iford,  the  hounds  were  kept. 
The  kitchen  garden  of  the  Castle  was  on  the 
south  side,  now  an  orchard. 

THE     LOWER     COURT. 

The  upper  court  ended  where  a  line  of 
wooden  rails  now  crosses  the  Castle  yard.  Im 
mediately  on  passing  through  these  rails, 
where  formerly  was  a  pair  of  high  iron  gates, 
the  visitor  stands  on  the  site  of  another  gate 
house,  which  formed  the  entrance  to  the  dwell 
ing-house.  On  each  side  of  this  site  are  two 
small  square  sunk  gardens,  that  on  the  right 
being  considerably  lower  than  the  Castle  yard. 
The  gate-house  that  stood  between  them  is  de 
scribed  by  Leland  as  "  Fair,  and  there  the 
Arms  of  the  Hungerfords  richly  made  in 
stone."  It  seems  to  have  been  flanked  by 
small  turrets,  the  foundation  of  one  being  still 
to  be  seen.  On  this  spot,  the  visitor  may  sup 
pose  himself  to  be  standing  immediately  under 
the  south  front  of  the  dwelling-house.  This 
was  in  the  shape  of  a  hollow  square  or  quad 
rangle,  with  a  round  tower  at  each  corner ;  of 
two  of  these  towers,  portions  still  remain,  and 
they  are  those  which  formed  the  ends  of  the 
south  front.  The  other  two,  now  wholly  de 
stroyed,  were,  of  course,  at  the  opposite  corners 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 


of  the  quadrangle;  and  the  intervals  from 
tower  to  tower  were  filled  up  with  the  rooms. 
An  old  woman,  called  Betty  Sheppard,  grand 
daughter  to  Townsend,  the  last  Sir  Edward 
Hungerford's  gamekeeper,  had  handed  down  to 
elderly  people,  who  were  still  living  at  Farleigh, 
(1832-45,)  sundry  stories  about  the  place.  She 
used  to  show  the  Chapel  to  strangers,  and  she 
remembered  the.  Castle  when  it  was  perfect. 
There  was,  immediately  on  passing  through 
the  inner  gate-house  (now  destroyed)  a  large 
flight  of  about  twenty  steps,  leading  up  to  the 
hall.  This  hall,  according  to  her  account,  was 
so  large  that  a  broad-wheel  wagon  might 
have  turned  round  in  it.  The  walls  were 
painted  with  figures  of  men  in  armor,  and  on 
horseback.  The  rooms  just  mentioned  were, 
according  to  the  antiquary  previously  quoted, 
"  stately,"  and  were  built  by  one  of  the  Hun- 
gerfords  who  had  taken  prisoner  the  Duke  of 
Orleans.  The  same  authority  also  states  that 
the  Duke  (father  of  Louis,  the  Twelfth  King 
of  France)  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of 
Agincourt  by  Sir  Walter  Hungerford,  then 
owner  of  Farleigh  and  a  great  man  in  Henry 
the  Fifth's  reign. 

Of  the  coats  of  arms  in  the  windows  or  on 
the  walls,  many  notes  were  taken  on  the  spot 


l8  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

by  Le  Vive,  an  antiquary  (1701)  who  made  a 
visit  here  at  that  time.  The  notes  are  still 
preserved. 

A  fine  hall  table,  said  to  have  been  part  of 
the  furniture,  is  preserved  at  Hinton  Abbey, 
and  various  fragments,  such  as  carved  heads, 
mullions  of  windows,  mantel-pieces,  etc.,  have 
been  recognized  in  cottages.  In  the  neigh 
boring  church  of  Laverton,  the  front  of  the 
gallery  was  (a  few  years  ago)  made  up  of 
balustrades  from  the  Castle. 

On  leveling  the  ground  in  the  northwest 
corner  of  the  lower  courtyard  in  1845,  the  foun 
dations  of  some  rooms  were  brought  to  light. 
The  remains  of  an  ash  pit,  furnace,  oven,  and 
flue,  show  that  the  back  of  the  house  lay  on 
that  side.  The  principal  front,  as  drawn  in 
Buck's  "Antiquities,"  faced  east,  rising  im 
mediately  on  the  edge  of  the  bank  on  which 
the  Castle  stands.  On  the  north  side,  where 
the  bank  falls  most  suddenly,  there  was  a  thick 
outer  wall  or  facing  of  masonry.  The  front  of 
the  house  on  that  side  did  not  stand  forward 
quite  upon  this  outer  edge,  but  stood  back 
several  feet  within  it,  leaving  space  for  a  narrow 
strip  of  ground,  the  pitching  of  which  still  re 
mains  under  the  turf. 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  1 9 

THE     TOWERS. 

Of  the  two  that  are  left,  that  which  first 
meets  the  eye  on  passing  under  the  entrance 
gateway  formed  the  west  end  of  the  south 
front  of  the  quadrangular  dwelling-house.  It 
was  higher  than  the  one  at  the  other  end 
nearer  the  chapel,  and  contained  a  ground 
floor  room  and  three  stories.  The  walls  are 
in  some  parts  eight  feet  thick,  so  as  to  allow 
stairs  or  small  apartments  within  them.  The 
rooms  were  -of  course  circular,  about  fourteen 
feet  across,  and  eight  feet  high.  It  was  for 
many  years  held  together  by  a  network  of  ivy, 
growing  from  a  single  stem,  nearly  two  yards 
wide. 

On  November  5,  1842,  the  i\7y  accidentally 
caught  fire,  and  was  entirely  destroyed.  The 
tower  being  thus  deprived  of  its  girders,  a 
large  part  soon  afterwards  fell  down,  showing 
the  interior,  as  it  is  now  seen. 

On  September  18,  1846,  Prince  Louis 
Napoleon,  afterwards  Napoleon  the  Third, 
Emperor  of  the  French,  visited  the  ruins  of 
Farleigh  Castle.  He  sat  down  on  a  piece  of 
timber,  lying  in  the  Castle  yard,  and  made  a 
sketch  of  this  picturesque  tower.  He  after 
wards  lunched  at  Farleigh  House,  and  greatly 


2O  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

admired  a  fine  bust  of  his  uncle/ Napoleon  the 
First,  which  was  in  the  parlor,  naming  the 
probable  age  at  which  it  was  taken. 

In  the  other  tower  nearer  the  chapel,  there 
was  a  ground  floor  room  and  only  two  stories, 
in  one  of  which  are  three  large  windows  com 
manding  a  pretty  view  down  two  valleys,  east 
and  north. 

Of  the  third  and  fourth  towers  now  de 
stroyed  that  which  was  in  the  northeast  corner 
was  standing  as  late  as  1797,  when,  having  been 
partially  undermined  by  plunderers  for  stone, 
it  fell  down  after  a  hard  frost. 

The  towers  had  not  subterranean  chambers, 
but  the  foundations  are  laid  in  circular  courses 
of  masonry,  each  lower  course  being  broader 
than  the  one  a.bove,  until  the  lowest  of  all  be 
comes  a  solid  floor,  underlying  the  whole. 

They  seem  to  have  had  different  names: 
one  was  called  the  "  Red  Cap,"  another  in  the 
northwest  corner  "  Hazlewell,"  perhaps  from  a 
spring  below  the  Castle,  near  the  watercress 
beds.  "  Red  Cap "  was  the  favorite  appella 
tion  of  a  class  of  spirits  which  was  supposed  to 
haunt  old  castles. 

The  Castle  Chapel,  dedicated  to  St.  Leonard, 
stands  in  the  upper  court  yard,  but  within  the 
area  of  a  small  cemeterv,  the  level  of  which  is 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  21 

several  feet  below  the  Castle  yard.  The 
parapeted  wall  round  it  is  modern.  This 
chapel,  or  more  probably  an  older  building  on 
the  same  site,  was  in  ancient  times  the  Church 
of  the  Parish,  but  when  the  Hungerfords  con 
verted  their  house  into  a  castle,  and  enclosed 
it  with  high  walls  and  a  drawbridge,  it  was 
necessary  to  provide  for  the  parishioners  a 
church  outside,  to  which  they  might  have  free 
access  at  all  times.  According!}7,  when  the 
parish  church  then  standing  here  was  appropri 
ated  by  them  as  a  domestic  chapel,  another 
(the  present  Church  of  Farleigh)  was  built  on 
the  ridge  to  the  south  of  the  Castle.  This  was 
done  by  Walter  Lord  Hungerford,  High  Treas 
urer  of  England,  1443.  The  chapel  is  about 
fifty-six  feet  long  by  twenty  wide.  It  is  en 
tered  at  the  west  end  by  an  open  porch,  the 
roof  of  which  is  of  oak,  embossed  with  sickles 
and  the  arms  of  the  Hungerfords.  The  descent 
into  the  building  is  by  a  few  steps,  the  floor 
being  below  the  level  of  the  cemetery.  There 
is  neither  aisle  nor  distinct  chancel;  but  the 
latter  is  represented  by  a  slight  elevation  of 
the  pavement,  for  about  nine  feet  from  the 
east  wall.  The  windows  are  of  precisely  the 
same  style  as  those  of  the  parish  church,  the 
only  difference  being  that  the  east  window  of 


22  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

the  one  is  the  west  in  the  other.  The  stained 
glass  now  there  is  of  modern  insertion.  The 
west  window  has  decorated  tracery.  There 
were  formerly  side  windows:  on  the  south  side, 
five,  and  on  the  north  side,  three.  The}^  were 
also  of  the  same  pattern  as  the  side  windows 
now  in  Farleigh  Church.  Being  much  dilapi 
dated,  they  were  blocked  up  some  years  ago. 
The  roof  seems  to  have  had  a  covered  ceiling. 
The  font,  now  in  the  chapel,  was  brought  from 
the  present  parish  church  in  1833. 

The  chapel  was  at  one  time  much  neglected; 
and  in  Grose's  "Antiquities,"  (1774)  it  is  drawn 
as  half-roofless.  It  was  repaired  in  1779,  and 
again  in  1806.  Having  been  long  disused  as  a 
place  for  religious  service,  it  has  become  a 
sort  of  repository  for  curiosities,  found  in  and 
about  Farleigh.  Besides  a  large  quantity  of 
common  soldiers'  armor  of  various  patterns, 
hanging  about  the  walls,  some  of  which  are 
relics  of  the  old  armor  of  the  castle,  there 
is  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  things  either 
found  or  brought  here  from  time  to  time. 
Among  these  are  a  heavy  saddle  tree,  and 
military  boots  of  the  Commonwealth  fashion, 
antique  wooden  stirrups,  bits  for  bridles,  old 
Castle  ke}^s,  fragments  of  carved  stone,  etc.,  etc. 
There  are  also  some  good  specimens  of  carved 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  23 

oak  furniture.  On  some  of  the  arms  is  an  H 
between  two  sickles.  An  old  settle  with  the 
arms  of  Hungerford  cut  on  the  panels  came 
from  Farleigh  Church,  where  it  had  been  one 
of  the  open  seats,  the  rest  having  been  at  one 
time  all  of  the  same  kind. 

Some  trunks  and  papers  were  left  in  the 
chapel  by  the  Hungerfords,  but  the}7  were  after 
wards  taken  away  by  them,  except  some  papers 
which  were  allowed  to  remain  undisturbed. 
Among  these  papers  were  two  letters  written 
by  Oliver  Cromwell.  Both  were  addressed  to 
Anthony  Hungerford,  Esq.,  of  the  Black  Bour- 
ton  branch  of  the  family,  father  of  the  Spend 
thrift,  Sir  Edward.  One  of  the  letters  is  quite 
legible,  and  reads  as  follows: 

"  Sir,  I  am  very  sorrye  my  occacion  will  not  permit  mee 
to  returne  (/.  e.,  to  reply)  to  you  as  I  would.  I  have  not  yett 
fully  spoken  with  the  gentleman  I  sent  to  waite  upon  you. 
When  I  shall  doe  it,  I  shall  bee  enabled  to  bee  more  particu 
lar,  beinge  unwilling  to  detaine  your  servante  any  longer. 
With  my  service  to  your  lady  and  family,  I  take  leave,  and 
rest 

v  Your  affectionate  servante, 

O.  CROMWELL. 

July  30,  1652. 

"  For  my  honoured  friend  Mr  Hungerford,  the  elder  at  his 
house,  these." 


24  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

The  walls  towards  the  eastern  end  were 
stenciled  in  foliated  pattern.  On  one  side  of 
the  altar  is  a  gigantic  representation  of  St. 
George  and  the  Dragon,  and  near  this  are 
traces  of  a  figure  o-f  a  knight,  kneeling,  bear 
ing  on  his  coat  the  arms  of  Hungerford.  On 
the  east  wall  is  a  painted  consecration  cross. 

Over  the  east  window,  in  black  and  white 
upon  the  wall,  is  a  shield  of  Hungerford 
quarterings,  having  for  supporters  a  griffin 
and  a  large  bird,  intended  for  a  raven,  collared 
and  chained. 

The  side  chapel,  commonly  called  St.  Anne's, 
is  on  the  north  side  of  the  principal  chapel, 
and  measures  twenty  by  fifteen  feet.  Under 
the  arch  between  them  lies  the  tomb  of  Sir. 
Thomas  Hungerford,  who  died  in  1398,  and  his 
wife,  who  died  in  1411-12,  so  that  this  side 
chapel  was  probably  built  by  their  son  Walter, 
Lord  Hungerford,  K.  G. 

In  the  will  of  Joan,  Lady  Hungerford  (1412), 
she  says  that  she  desires  to  be  buried  next  to 
her  husband  "  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Anne,  in  the 
north  part  of  the  said  church  of  Farleigh." 
In  later  times,  it  seems  to  have  been  princi 
pally  used  as  a  mausoleum.  About  1650,  it 
was  embellished,  and  the  vault  underneath  was 
enlarged  by  Margaret  (Halliday),  Lady  of  Sir 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  25 

Edward  Hungerford,  K.  B.  The  walls  and 
beams  were  covered  with  coats  of  arms,  and 
figures  of  angels  in  various  fantastic  dresses 
and  attitudes,  blowing  trumpets,  etc.,  the 
Apostles,  with  their  respective  emblems;  also 
the  representation  of  the  interior  of  some 
church  with  altar,  tombs,  and  effigies,  all  in 
fresco.  The  floor  was  inlaid  with  black  and 
white  marble  in  lozenge  shape,  and  gilded  iron 
gates  with  arms  and  crests  were  placed  be 
tween  the  two  chapels. 

The  coats  of  arms  on  the  walls  of  the  side 
chapel  are  somewhat  indistinct,  but  they  can 
still  be  easily  recognized  by  the  aid  of  an 
original  manuscript,  dating  from  1760,  which 
is  still  preserved. 

On  the  north  wall,  there  are  three  shields ; 
on  the  same  w.all  between  the  window  and  the 
east  end,  there  are  sixteen  coats  of  arms.  On 
the  east  wall,  eight  coats  of  arms.  The  four 
on  the  south  wall,  and  the  four  on  the  west 
wall,  are  now  obliterated,  but  they  were  exist 
ing  in  1 760. 

The  first  monument  is  to  Sir  Thomas  Hun 
gerford,  and  Joanna,  his  second  wrife.  She 
was  the  daughter  and  co-heir  of  Sir  Edmond 
Hussey,  Knight  of  Holbrook,  County  Somer 
set  They  were  buried  within  this  side  chapel. 


26  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

The  effigies  bore  the  arms  of  their  respective 
families.  Sir  Walter,  the  Knight's  son,  after 
wards  Lord  Hungerford,  appears  to  have  been 
the  first  who  adopted  a  garb  or  wheat-sheaf 
between  two  sickles,  which  appears  on  his 
later  seals,  as  well  as  on  his  K.  G.  escutcheon 
in  St.  George's  Chapel,  Windsor. 

The  last  will  of  Joane,  Lady  Hungerford, 
contains  a  curious  order  about  her  funeral: 
"Joane,  Lady  Hungerford,  February  i,  1411. 
My  body  to  be  buried  in  the  Chapel  of  St. 
Anne,  in  the  Parish  Church  of  Farleigh  Hun 
gerford,  next  to  the  grave  of  my  husband.  I 
will,  that  with  all  possible  speed  after  my  de 
cease,  my  executors  cause  three  thousand 
masses  to  be  said  for  my  soul,  and  for  the  souls 
of  all  the  faithful,  deceased :  Also  I  desire  on 
my  burial  day  that  twelve  torches  and  two 
tapers  burn  about  my  body,  and  that  twelve 
poor  women  holding  the  said  torches  be 
cloathed  in  russet,  with  linen  hoods,  and  hav 
ing  stockings  and  shoes  suitable.  I  will  that 
the  two  hundred  marks  now  in  the  hands  of 
my  son,  Sir  Walter  Hungerford,  be  given  to 
found  a  perpetual  chantry  of  one  chaplain,  to 
celebrate  divine  service  in  the  chapel  of  St. 
Anne,  in  the  north  part  of  the  said  Church  of 
Farleigh  for  the  health  of  my  soul,  and  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUXGERFORD.  2J 

soul  of  my  husband,  and  the  souls  of  all  our 
ancestors,  for  ever." 

Sir  Walter's  "  of  Farleigh "  tomb  is  in  the 
southeast  corner  of  the  large  chapel.  He  was 
the  seventh  in  descent  from  Sir  Thomas,  and 
he  died  in  1596.  The  inscription  is  curiously 
cut.  It  reads  as  follows :  "  Tyme  tryeth  truth." 
The  tomb  is  of  freestone,  painted  in  red, 
green,  and  gold,  the  colors  of  the  Hungerford 
livery,  taken  from  one  of  their  oldest  coats  of 
arms. 

Sir  Edward  Hungerford  and  his  wife  lie  in 
the  northeast  corner  of  the  smaller  chapel. 

Sir  Edward  Hungerford  of  Corsham,  K.  B., 
and  Margaret  (Halliday),  his  wife.  This  Sir 
Edward  was  great  nephew  to  the  earlier  Sir 
Edward,  mentioned  above.  He  was  comman 
der  of  the  Wiltshire  forces  for  the  Common 
wealth,  in  the  Civil  Wars  of  Charles  the  First. 
He'  besieged  Wardor  Castle  when  it  was  de 
fended  by  Blanche,  Lady  Arundel.  He  lived 
chiefly  at  Corsham  (which  his  great  uncle  pur 
chased  in  1602).  His  death  occurred  in  1648. 
His  lady  was  daughter  and  co-heir  of  William 
Halliday,  a  wealthy  alderman  of  London. 
Her  will  charged  her  estate  with  "  five  pounds 
per  annum  for  the  repair  of  the  vault  at  Far 
leigh  Castle,  when  it  shall  be  defective;  the 


28  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

same  to  be  kept  in  stock  in  the  meantyme." 
She  was  the  foundress  of  the  large  almshouse 
at  Corsham,  which,  under  the  same  will,  is 
also  maintained  by  money  from  the  estate. 
She  died  in  1672.  The  monument  is  very  fine, 
and  is  said  to  have  cost  eleven  hundred 
pounds.  It  is  of  black  and  white  marble,  the 
upper  slab  being  a  single  piece,  eight  feet  long 
by  five  feet  wide.  At  the  head  of  the  tomb  is 
a  shield  of  fifteen  quarterings  of  the  husband's 
family.  In  the  center,  on  an  escutcheon,  is  the 
coat  of  arms  of  her  own  family,  and  under 
neath,  the  motto,"  Dieu  mon  Appuy"  (God  is 
my  support).  At  the  other  end  of  the  monu 
ment  are  the  arms  of  the  Hungerfords,  single  ; 
at  her  husband's  feet,  the  crest  of  Hungerford  ; 
at  her  own,  that  of  Halliday.  From  an  inscrip 
tion  upon  it,  it  appears  that  her  mother, 
Susan,  Mrs.  Halliday,  married,  as  her  second 
husband,  an  Earl  of  Warwick  (Robert  Rich, 
the  third  Earl  of  that  family),  and  that  the 
monument  was  erected  during  the  life  of  the 
Lady  Hungerford  whose  figure  lies  upon  it. 

The  translation  of  the  inscription  is  as  fol 
lows  : 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  2§ 

"  Laid  on  this  tomb  you  see  the  effigies  of  a  worthy  pair." 
Sir  Edward  Hungerford,  Knight      Margaret  Lady   Hungerford  his 
of  the  Honorable  order  of  the  Bath,  beloved    wife,    Daughter    and    co- 
Son    of   the     illustrious    Anthony  heiress    of   William    Halliday,    an 
Hungerford    of   Black    Borton,   in  eminent   citizen  and   Alderman  of 
Co.   Oxford,  Knight  by   Lucy  his  London  by  Susan,  his  wife,   after- 
wife,  who  was  descended  from  the  wards  Countess  of  Warwick, 
noble  line  of  Hungerford  of  Farley      jn  her  praise,  much  might  truly 
Castle,  Co.  Somerset.  be  said,  but  surviving,  she  forbids 

(  God,  }  He  Hved  52       it,  let  this  be  hereafter. 

For  -I  His  country,  > 

(  His  kindred    )  years' 
And  fell  most  peacefully  asleep,  23 
October,  in  the  year  of  Salvation, 
1648. 

The  record  of  the  death  of  Susan  his  wife, 
above  spoken  of,  is  found  in  the  register  of  St. 
Andrew's,  Holborn.  It  reads  as  follows : 
"1645-6,  Jany  21,  Dame  Susan,  Lady  to  the 
Rt.  Honorable  Robert  Rich,  Earl  of  Warwick, 
died  in  Warwick  House,  Holborn,  i6th  and  was 
buried  in  St.  Lawrence  Church,  near  Guildhall, 
London  the  2ist." 

Against  the  east  end  wall  is  a  circular  cop 
per  plate  which  for  many  years  lay  loose  on 
one  of  the  coffins  in  the  vault  below,  and  was 
originally  on  the  lid  of  a  cylindrical  leaden 
urn,  which  contained  the  heart  of  this  Sir 
Edward.  The  arms  on  it  are  the  same  as 
those  at  the  head  of  his  monument. 

Translation. 

"Within  are  deposited  the  mortal  remains  of  the  most 
illustrious  Sir  Edward  Hungerford  of  Corsham  in  the  Co. 


3O  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

Wilts,  Knight  of  the  Honourable  Order  of  the  Bath,  eldest 
Son  of  Sir  Anthony  Hungerford,  of  Black  Bourton,  in  the 
Co.  of  Oxford,  Knight  by  his  wife  Dame  Lucy  Hungerford, 
daughter  of  Sir  Walter  Hungerford,  of  Farley,  Hungerford, 
in  Co.  Somerset,  Knight,  of  which  most  eminent  and  ancient 
line  of  Farley  Hungerford,  he  was  the  last.  He  was  united  in 
happy  marriage  for  27  years  with  Dame  Margaret,  daughter 
and  co-heir  of  William  Halliday,  Citizen  and  Alderman  of 
London.  He  died  on  the  xoth  before  the  Calends  of  Novem 
ber  [/.  <?.,  23  October]  1648,  in  the  52nd  year  of  his  age." 

The  following  lines  formerly  painted  on 
the  window  are  mentioned  as  being  there  in 
1 703 : 

"  In  the  vault,  under  this  monument,  lyeth  Sir  Edward 
Hungerford,  Knight  of  the  Honorable  Order  of  the  Bath, 
only  son  of  Sir  Anthony  Hungerford,  by  Lucy,  daughter 
and  co-heir  of  Sir  Walter  Hungerford  of  Farleigh  Castle." 

"  Margaret,  Lady  Hungerford,  wife  and  relict  of  Sir 
Edward  Hungerford,  daughter  and  co-heir  of  William  Hal- 
lyday,  Alderman  of  the  City  of  London,  and  Susan,  his  wife, 
(who  was  afterwards  Countess  of  Warwick)  out  of  her  pious 
affection  to  the  memory  of  her  deceased  husband,  beautified 
this  Chapel,  and  erected  this  monument  at  her  own  cost; 
and  designs,  when  it  shall  please  God  to  take  her  out  of  this 
world,  to  rest  by  her  husband  in  this  vault." 

The  vault  is  under  the  side  chapel,  and  is 
entered  from  the  outside  by  a  descent  of  eleven 
steps.  Over  the  outer  entrance  is  a  cross,  cut 
in  stone.  It  is  the  arms  of  Sandys,  a 
family  into  which  one  of  the  Hungerfords 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  3! 

married.  At  the  foot  of  the  steps  are  two 
arched  doorways,  filled  up  with  stone.  The 
vault  is  well  built  of  ashler,  and  is  arched.  On 
the  farther  side,  lying  across  two  stone 
trenches,  are  the  leaden  coffins  of  four  males, 
two  females,  and  two  children.  They  are,  most 
probably,  those  members  of  the  Hungerford 
family  whose  monuments  are  in  the  chapel 
above. 

In  the  year  1760,  on  one  of  these  plates 
lying  on  a  coffin  was  this  inscription  :  "  The 
Body  of  the  Lady  Jane  Hungerford,  Wife  of 
Sir  Edward  Hungerford  of  Farley,  Hunger- 
ford,  Co.  Somerset,  and  Daughter  and  Heir 
unto  Sir  John  Hele,  of  Wembury  in  the  Co.  of 
Devon,  K*,  who  deceased  18  day  of  May,  1664." 

The  whole  number  of  interments  of  this 
family  known  to  have  taken  place  here  is  as 
follows : 

(1)  Sir  Thomas  Hungerford,  1398,  ) 

>•  No.  i. 

(2)  Joanna,  Lady  H.,  his  second  wife,  1412,  ) 

(3)  Edward   Hungerford,    1585, 

(4)  Sir  Walter  of  Farleigh,  1596, 


V  No.  3, 
>,  3 


(5)  Sir  Edward  (half  brother  of  Sir  Walter),  1607,  ) 

(6)  Dame  Jane  (wife  of  Sir  Edward),  ) 


I  No.  6. 

5,    J 


(7)  Mrs.  Mary  Shaa  (sister  of  Sir  Edward),  1613,  No.  5. 

(8)  Sir  Edward  of  Corsham,  1648, 

(9)  Margaret  (Halliday),  his  wife,  1672, 

(10)  Jane  (Hele),  first  wife  of  the  Sir  Edward  who  sold  Farleigh, 
1664. 

(n)  Jane  (Culne),  second  wife  of  the  above,  1674. 


32  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

The  name  of  the  last  mentioned  is  entered 
as  the  first  interment  in  the  present  register  of 
Farleigh. 

Gough,  in  his  work,  "  Sepulchral  Monu 
ments,"  assigns  to  the  other  five  coffins  the  fol 
lowing  names : 

(12)  Giles.  Hungerford. 

(13)  An  infant  of  Jane  (Hele)  Lady  H. 

(14)  Culne  Hungerford. 

(15)  Edward  Hungerford  (son  of  the  last  owner). 

(16)  Lady  Alethea  (Compton),  his  wife. 

Farleigh  Hungerford  Church  is  dedicated, 
like  the  Chapel,  to  St.  Leonard.  It  was  built 
by  Walter,  Lord  Hungerford,  K.  G.,  High  Treas 
urer  of  England  in  the  reign  of  King  Henry 
the  Sixth,  and,  together  with  the  churchyard, 
was  consecrated  on  St.  Leonard's  Day,  No 
vember  sixth,  1443.  Before  that  time,  the 
parish  church,  as  has  been  already  stated,  was 
on  the  site  of  the  Castle  chapel,  close  to  what  was 
then  the  principal  house  of  the  owners  of  Far 
leigh.  It  is  of  perpendicular  architecture,  and 
consists  of  a  tower,  nave,  chancel,  and  south 
porch,  about  ninety-six  feet  long  by  thirty 
feet  wide,  walls  included. 

The  tower  is  at  the  west  end,  fifty-four  feet 
high  to  the  parapet,  and  is  finished  with  a 
short  pyramidal  steeple,  covered  with  stone 
tile ;  the  stair  leading  up  to  the  top  within  the 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  33 

wall  to  which  an  extra  thickness  is  given,  so  as 
to  have  outside  the  appearance  of  a  flat  but 
tress.  The  west  window  has  three  lights  and 
a  semi-circular  head,  with  perpendicular  mul- 
lions  and  tracery.  The  vestry  window  is 
modern ;  and  the  glass  in  it,  bearing  the  device 
of  a  sickle,  was  collected  from  the  neighbor 
ing  cottages.  There  is  a  doorway  at  the  west 
end. 

There  were  five  bells  in  1791  (Collinson's 
"Somerset"  III.  362).  Now  there  are  four, 
and  two  of  these  bear  the  inscription,  "  Philip 
Palmar,  1681."  The  crest  of  the  Hungerfords, 
a  wheat-sheaf  between  two  sickles  rising  out 
of  a  ducal  coronet,  is  upon  the  bells. 

The  nave  is  twenty-four  feet  wide,  and  has 
no  aisles.  There  are  six  square-headed  win 
dows,  three  on  each  side,  of  whidh  five  have 
double  lights  trefoiled.  In  the  heads  of  the 
lights  are  roses  of  different  colors;  in  the  cen 
ter  of  three  vine  leaves.  In  the  window  near 
est  the  chancel  on  the  north  side  is  a  portrait 
in  old  yellow  glass  with  helmet  and  chain 
gorget,  surrounded  by  sickles,  and  the  letters 
T.  H.  It  is  commonly  supposed  to  represent 
Sir  Thomas  Hungerford,  the  purchaser  of  Far- 
leigh.  The  side  windows  of  the  chancel  are  of 
the  same  pattern  as  those  in  the  nave.  As 


34  DANIEL  E.   HUNC;ERFORD. 

late  as  1789,  there  was  much  ancient  stained 
glass  in  them  ;  each  window  containing  two 
figures  on  ornamented  grounds  such  as  our 
Lady,  St.  George,  St.  Mary  Magdalene,  etc.  ; 
also  the  arms  of  the  Hungerfords.  In  the  top 
of  the  chancel  windows  remains  of  this  old 
glass  may  still  be  seen  ;  a  knot  of  three  sickles 
interlaced,  with  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  Hun 
gerfords  in  the  center  of  them. 

On  one  of  the  windows  of  the  south  side  is 
an  ancient  piece  of  stained  glass.  On  it  is  the 
shield  of  a  Sir  Edward  Hungerford,  who  died 
in  1521,  and  Jane  Zouche,  his  first  wife. 

In  old  times,  the  castle  was,  of  course, 
known  as  the  "Great  House"  of  the  village; 
and  the  Park  in  those  days  lay  north  and  west 
of  the  Castle,  in  the  direction  of  Iford  and 
Hinton.  It  included  within  a  circuit  of  about 

* 

three  miles  what  are  now  the  Park  Farm,  Far- 
leigh  Lodge  Farm,  Dog  Kennel  Farm,  and  the 
Wiltshire  Park  Farm. 

The  present  Farleigh  House  is  an  old  build 
ing  with  modern  front.  In  the  time  of  the 
Hungerfords,  it  was  occupied  by  their  principal 
tenants.  It  had  gabled  fronts,  east  and  south, 
and  the  parish  road  to  Tellisford  passed  close 
to  the  hall  door.  When  Sir  Edward  Hunger- 
ford  sold  his  property  in  1686,  Mr.  Edward 


DANIEL    E.     IIUXGERFORD.  35 

Wayte  was  in  occupation  of  this  house   and 
the  farm  adjoining,  under  (as  is  believed)   a 
lease  for  three   lives.      The  lease   was  trans 
ferred  to  Mr.  Daniel  Drake,  who,  in  1694,  as 
signed  his  term  to  Dr.  William  Harris,  Master 
of  Winchester  College.     The  rest  of  the  Far- 
leigh   estate   had   in   a  similar  manner   been 
leased  in  various  parcels  on  lives  by  the  Hun- 
gerfords,  except  the  Castle  farm,  which  was  the 
only  one,   in  fact,   of  which   Joseph    Houlton, 
Esq.,    obtained    immediate    possession,   when 
the    purchase    was    made    in    1700.      Having 
afterwards,    in    1705,    b}r    marriage   with    the 
co-heiress  of  the  Whites  of  Grittleton  in  Wilts, 
obtained  that  property,   Mr.  Houlton   resided 
there,  and  never  at  Farleigh.     The   Farleigh 
estate,  in    1715,  was   placed  in  settlement   on 
the  marriage   of  his   eldest  son,   Mr.    Joseph 
Houlton,  Junior,  with  Miss  Hooke  of  Bristol. 
In  the  following  year,  1716,  upon  the  death  of  a 
Mrs.  Wilson,  the  lease  of  the  house  and  farm 
expired,  and  the  younger   Mr.  Houlton,  then 
living  in  St.  James'  Square,  Bristol,  removed 
to  Farleigh,  and  was  the  first  of  his  family  who 
resided  there.     He  converted  part  of  the  farm 
into   the   present   park.     At  his  death  he  left 
one  surviving  daughter,  and  sole  heiress,  Mary 
Houlton,   who   had    married,   in    1746,   James 


36  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

Frampton,  Esq.,  of  Moreton,  Dorset  County. 
She  died  without  issue  in  1762.  Mr.  Frampton 
continued  to  enjoy  the  estate  during  his  life, 
and  at  his  death,  in  1 784,  it  reverted  to  his  late 
wife's  cousin,  Robert  Houlton,  Esq.,  of  Bristol. 
He  died  the  following  year,  1785,  and  was  suc 
ceeded  by  his  only  son,  Joseph  Houlton,  Esq., 
who  died  in  1806,  and  was  the  father  of  the 
Lieut.-Col.  John  Houlton.  By  the  latter  gentle 
man,  who  died  in  1839,  the  house  was  changed 
and  enlarged  to  its  present  style  of  architecture. 
John  Houlton,  Esq.,  his  eldest  son,  inherited 
the  property  at  his  father's  death,  and  he  hav-. 
ing  died  in  1868,  his  son,  the  present  owner, 
Francis  Houlton,  Esq.,  came  into  possession. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Descent — Birth  —  Boyhood's  days  —  Incidents   of  youth  — 
Enters  military  school  —  Elected  to  public  office. 

'"THE  family  of  Hungerford  can  be  said  to 
be  rooted  in  the  soil  of  America.  Six 
generations  have  lived  and  died  in  this  country 
since  the  first  Hungerford.  Thomas,  brother 
of  Sir  Edward  Hungerford,  K.  B.,  landed 
on  the  shores  of  New  England  in  1628.  As 
noted  in  the  previous  chapter,  Daniel  Elihu 
Hungerford  traces  his  descent  by  direct  line 
from  him.  The  town  register  of  Norwich, 
Connecticut,  states  that  Thomas  Hungerford 
acquired  property  there  in  1630,  and*  the 
register  of  Hartford,  Connecticut,  also  bears 
his  name  as  the  owner  of  land  in  the  township, 
the  date  of  the  entry  being  1639.  The  first 
town  in  Connecticut  that  Thomas  Hungerford 
lived  in  was  New  London,  but  he  did  not  re 
main  there  more  than  a  few  years,  and  the 
records  just  quoted  show  that  he  became  pos 
sessed  of  property  in  other  parts  of  the  State. 
The  father  of  Daniel  Elihu  Hungerford, 


3  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

Amos  Hungerford,  was  born  March  12,  1777,  at 
Lyme,  Connecticut.  His  mother,  China  Har 
rison,  cousin  of  General  William  H.  Harri 
son,  President  of  the  United  States  in  1840, 
was  born  June  13,  1784.  They  were  married 
at  Lyme,  Connecticut,  January  15,  1802.  His 
father  fought  in  the  War  of  1812  against  the 
British.  His  grandfather,  Nathaniel  Hunger- 
ford,  fought  in  the  Revolution.  He  was  the 
son  of  Green  Hungerford,  and  Green  the  son 
of  Thomas,  Jr.,  whose  father,  Thomas,  was 
the  original  Hungerford,  who  had  come  to 
America,  as  before  stated,  in  1628. 

Below  is  the  descent  in  the  regular  order : 

Thomas,  Sen. 

Thomas,  Jun. 

Green. 

Nathaniel. 

Amos. 

Daniel  Elihu. 

The  uncles  of  Daniel  Elihu  were  Josiah, 
Jehiel,  Nathaniel,  Elihu,  and  Stephen  Hunger- 
ford. 

Daniel  Elihu  Hungerford,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  first  saw  the  light  in  Frankfort, 
Herkimer  County,  New  York  State.  He  was 
one  of  a  large  family,  being  the  youngest  of 
seven  sons.  His  adventures  began  early  in 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  39 

life.  When  but  two  years  old,  the  family  left 
his  native  place,  and  moved  to  Utica,  Oneida 
County,  in  the  same  State.  Baby  Dan  was  a 
vigorous  and  health}7  youngster,  and  often 
proved  more  than  a  match  for  his  nurse.  One 
day,  venturing  too  near  the  banks  of  the  Erie 
Canal,  close  to  which  his  parents  lived,  he  fell 
in.  But  Providence  was  kind  to  him,  and  he 
was  rescued,  none  the  worse  for  the  accident. 

Recognizing  the  benefits  of  a  good  educa 
tion,  his  father  placed  him  at  school  at  an  early 
age  ;  he  showed  aptitude  in  his  studies,  and 
he  soon  became  the  leader  not  only  among  the 
boys  of  his  own  age,  but  even  of  his  elders. 
On  the  playground  he  was  always  first  ;  none 
ran  faster,  played  longer,  or  fought  more  bat 
tles  than  young  Dan.  The  first  day  he  distin 
guished  himself  by  fighting  the  biggest  boy  in 
the  school ;  it  seemed  that  wishing  to  put  upon 
the  new  comer,  and  desiring  to  test  his  mettle, 
one  of  his  classmates  endeavored  to  pick  a 
quarrel  with  him.  Now  this  was  not  very 
difficult,  for,  even  at  that  tender  age,  Dan  was 
beginning  to  develop  his  courageous  and  com 
bative  disposition.  Soon  the  two  boys  were 
engaged  in  a  rough-and-tumble  encounter, 
but  at  last  Dan  got  the  upper  hand.  Then  and 
there  he  established  his  reputation.  No  one 


4O  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

ever  interfered  with  him  after  that  ;  he  was 
thenceforward  "  facile  princeps."  The  school 
master,  evidently  more  amused  than  annoyed, 
and  amazed  at  the  daring  courage  of  the  new 
pupil  in  fighting  a  boy  so  much  his  superior  in 
size  and  strength,  did  not  punish  either  combat 
ant  He  facetiously  announced  to  the  class  that 
that  day  a  Napoleon  Bonaparte  had  come  among 
them.  Dan,  having  truthfully  admitted  his 
part  in  the  quarrel,  did  not  suffer  in  the  estim 
ation  of  the  worthy  pedagogue,  though  he  had 
flagrantly  violated  all  order  and  discipline. 
This  little  incident,  trifling  in  itself,  foreshad 
owed  the  career  of  the  future  man,  and  never 
was  one  prouder  than  the  old  schoolmaster 
when  in  later  years  he  heard  of  the  distin 
guished  and  daring  service  that  young  Hun- 
gerford  rendered  to  his  country  in  after  life. 
But  to  return  to  the  incidents  of  his  boyhood 
days.  A  friend  of  his  father  presented  him 
with  a  drum  almost  as  big  as  himself,  which 
was  his  most  coveted  possession,  and  his  heart's 
delight.  He  soon  became  quite  expert  as  a 
drummer,  and  many  a  lively  tattoo  he  played 
on  it  to  the  great  amusement  of  the  boys  and 
grown  people  of  the  neighborhood,  who  showed 
their  appreciation  of  the  talents  by  many  a 
coin. 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  41 

It  is  an  old  saying,  none  the  less  true,  that 
"  like  father,  like  son."  Young  Hungerford  not 
only  inherited  from  his  father  (who  had  been 
a  gallant  officer  in  the  War  of  1812)  his  mili 
tary  spirit,  but  also  his  sterling  quality  of  rigid 
honesty.  His  father  never  failed  to  illustrate 
by  word  and  example  that  honor  and  honesty 
were  above  all  price.  The  following  incident 
would  indicate  this  :  The  boy  had  one  day  in 
his  ninth  year  found  a  large  sum  of  money 
which  he  brought  to  his  father.  The  latter 
commanded  him  to  search  for  the  owner, 
and  restore  the  property,  with  the  strict  in 
junction  not  to  accept  a  penny  for  so  doing. 
"  My  son,"  he  said,  "  take  no  reward  ;  you  must 
be  honest  without  being  paid  for  it ;  adhere  to 
this  through  life,  and  you  will  not  only  com 
mand  the  respect  of  others,  but  you  will  also 
respect  }-ourself."  And  those  who  know 
Colonel  Hungerford  can  bear  testimony  to  how 
well  he  has  abided  by  that  parental  advice. 

In  1830,  his  father  being  in  the  transporta 
tion  business,  and  owner  of  a  large  number  of 
canal  boats,  took  his  family  for  a  pleasure  trip 
to  Albany  and  return,  railroads,  at  that  time, 
not  having  come  into  general  use.  When  the 
boat  reached  Albany,  cargo  was  discharged, 


42  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

and  loaded  up  for  Whitehall,  upon  Lake 
Champlain  via  Champlain  Canal. 

As  it  was  late  in  the  fall,  the  family  con 
cluded  to  remain  at  Waterford  until  the  return 
of  Mr.  Hungerford,  who  had  gone  to  Utica. 
Mr.  Hungerford,  however,  decided  to  sell  his 
property  there,  dispose  of  his  interests,  and 
settle  down  with  his  family  at  Waterford. 

There,  we  may  say,  the  serious  work  of 
young  Hungerford  began.  He  attended  the 
Saratoga  Academy,  and  soon  gave  evidence  of 
where  his  tastes  lay.  Before  he  had  been  well 
acquainted  with  his  classmates,  he  had  begun 
to  organize  them  into  a  military  company 
after  his  own  crude  fashion,  equipping  them 
with  paper  caps  and  swords  made  of  laths. 
Every  Saturday  afternoon  the  worthy  citizens 
of  Waterford  were  treated  to  the  free  spectacle 
of  Captain  Dan,  as  he  was  called,  and  his 
youthful  recruits,  marching  through  the 
principal  streets,  breasts  swelling  with  con 
scious  pride,  and  hearts  burning  with  patriotic 
ardor,  as  in  their  mind's  eye,  they  saw  the  red 
coats  fleeing  before  them,  routed  by  the 
Yankees  to  the  tune  of  Yankee  Doodle. 

No  bolts  or  bars  ever  could  keep  young 
Dan  in  the  house  when  the  martial  music  was 
playing,  and  the  soldiers  passing,  though  many 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  43 

a  reprimand  he  received  for  his  hasty  exits. 
One  day  he  followed  a  detachment  of  United 
States  troops  going  through  the  village  en 
route  to  the  West,  a  distance  of  ten  miles,  until, 
exhausted  by  fatigue,  he  could  go  on  no 
further.  His  brother,  following  him  in  hot  pur 
suit,  then  effected  an  easy  capture  of  the  young 
captain,  who  stoutly  said,  when  pressed  for  an 
explanation,  that  he  was  only  going  to  fight 
for  his  country,  and  help  whip  the  Britishers. 
It  is  thus  easily  seen  that  our  young  hero 
rightly  recognized  who  had  the  best  claim  on 
his  services. 

In  school  Dan  was  always  the  leader  of  the 
militant  section  of  the  boys.  He  well  remem 
bers  to  this  day  how  the  main  street  of  the  vil 
lage  served  in  the  fierce  snowball  fights,  as  the 
line  of  battle  which  divided  the  "  uptown  "  and 
the  "  downtown  "  crowds,  as  the  two  factions 
were  called.  Many  a  bloody  nose  and  black 
ened  eye  came  from  these  encounters,  and  not 
to  show  either  of  these  marks  was  considered 
more  of  disgrace  than  an  honor.  Dan,  being  the 
commander-in-chief  and  engineer  of  his  side, 
naturally  took  the  most  prominent  part  in  these 
engagements,  for  he  seemed  to  have  the  inborn 
nature  to  command,  and  was  always  heedless 
of  danger. 


44  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

In  1832,  politics  ran  high.  Andrew  Jack 
son,  the  hero  of  New  Orleans,  was  the  can 
didate  of  the  Democratic  party.  The  Hunger- 
fords  were  ardent  Whigs,  but  the  military 
career  of  Jackson  appealed  most  strongly  to 
the  sympathies  of  young  Dan.  To  his  youth 
ful  mind,  any  one  who  could  whip  the  British, 
as  he  did  at  New  Orleans,  was  a  great  man;  none 
could  be  greater :  he,  therefore,  resolved  to  do 
what  he  could  to  elect  his  favorite.  What  I 
will  now  here  narrate  shows  how  he  accom 
plished  his  desire.  There  was  an  odd  character 
in  town,  Chance  by  name,  whose  vote  was  al 
ways  for  sale  to  the  highest  bidder.  Then,  as 
now,  other  means  than  press  and  platform 
were  used  to  persuade  the  electors  to  rally  to 
a  particular  candidate.  Whigs  and  Democrats 
resorted  to  every  stratagem  to  secure  votes. 
The  elder  Hungerford  lured,  as  it  were,  this 
Chance  to  his  home,  and  by  luxurious  living 
and  many  doses  of  whisky  he  finally  suc 
ceeded  in  convincing  him  that  the  Whig  can 
didate  was  the  most  deserving  of  his  honest 
suffrage.  Mr.  Hungerford,  however,  did  not 
have  much  confidence  in  the  fellow's  promises, 
so  he  thought  it  prudent  to  keep  him  an  en 
forced  guest  until  the  time  came  for  deposit 
ing  his  ballot.  Young  Dan,  though,  had  other 


DANIEL    E.    HUXGERFORD.  45 

plans  for  his  father's  guest,  namely,  that  he 
should  vote  for  Jackson  ;  so,  providing  himself 
with  a  straight  Jackson  ticket  from  the  ward 
worker,  the  youthful  electioneering  agent  suc 
ceeded  in  gaining  admittance  to  the  room  where 
Chance  was  confined.  "  Who  are  you  going  to 
vote  for  ? "  he  asked  him.  "  For  whomever  your 
father  wants,"  responded  the  honest  voter. 
Young  Hungerford  then  handed  him  the  slip 
of  paper,  and  together  they  went  to  the  poll 
ing  station,  where  young  Hungerford  had  the 
satisfaction  of  seeing  it  duly  deposited.  Meet 
ing  Chance  afterwards,  Mr.  Hungerford  asked 
him  how  he  got  out,  and  for  whom  did  he  vote. 
"  Why,"  he  replied,  "  your  son  let  me  out,  and 
I  voted  the  ticket  he  gave  me."  "  By  Jove," 
exclaimed  the  father,  "  beaten  by  my  boy  ! " 
The  joke  was  too  good  to  be  kept,  and  it  was 
circulated  far  and  wide  throughout  the  town. 
It  told  heavily  against  the  elder  Hungerford, 
but  spoke  much  for  the  shrewdness  of  the  boy, 
and  by  its  perpetration  the  latter  acquired  no 
little  prominence  in  Waterford. 

At  the  age  of  fifteen  young  Hungerford  was 
appointed  deputy-inspector  of  beef  and  pork 
in  Waterford,  the  town  being  the  center  of  a 
large  trade  in  those  meats.  It  can  readily  be 
supposed  that  a  boy  of  those  years  would  not 


46  DANIEL    E.    HUNCiKRFORD. 

have  been  entrusted  with  such  a  position  had 
he  not  special  qualifications  and  been  well 
thought  of  by  the  people  of  the  town.  One 
day,  in  the  absence  of  his  superior,  an  attempt 
was  made  to  corrupt  him  ;  but  the  young  in 
spector's  integrity  was  not  to  be  sullied,  and  he 
indignantty  refused  the  bribe,  threatening  to 
bring  the  offender  to  justice  for  endeavoring 
to  bribe  a  public  official.  This  refusal  to  be 
tray  a  trust  showed  his  high  sense  of  duty  and 
firm  uprightness  which  in  his  long  and  event 
ful  life  he  has  never  deviated  from. 

Dan,  notwithstanding  his  military  inclina 
tions,  was  a  hard  student  at  school,  and  early 
manifested  a  fondness  for  reading  and  books. 
His  father,  after  much  deliberation,  decided  to 
direct  his  talents  to  journalism,  and  to  that  end, 
Dan  entered  the  office  of  the  "  Saratoga  Ob 
server."  But  he  did  not  stay  there  more  than  a 
week  for  the  following  reason  :  the  foreman  in 
the  printing  establishment,  mistaking  the  ma 
terial  in  the  boy,  ventured  to  send  him  for  a 
pitcher  of  beer  to  the  neighboring  saloon. 
But  the  pitcher  was  destined  not  to  go  beyond 
the  staircase,  for  Dan,  depositing  it  on  the  last 
step,  left  in  a  high  state  of  indignation  for  his 
home,  telling  'his  father,  when  he  reached  it, 
that  he  went  to  the  office  to  learn  the  printing 


DANIEL    E.    HUXGERFORD.  47 

trade,  and  not  to  run  errands  to  the  saloon. 
His  father  commended  his  principle,  and  sent 
him  back  to  school. 

While  on  a  visit  to  Tro}T,  the  boy  was  un 
fortunate  enough  to  contract  the  loathsome 
disease,  smallpox.  For  days  and  nights  he 
lay  in  a  darkened  room,  with  no  attendant  but 
a  faithful  nurse,  and  no  diversion  for  his  con 
valescing  days  but  his  old  flintlock  musket, 
which  he  insisted  should  accompany  him  in 
his  isolation.  He  used  to  while  away  the 
wear}7  hours  by  taking  it  apart  and  putting  it 
together  again.  Truly,  this  was  a  trial  to 
a  restive  boy.  During  the  height  of  the  direful 
disease,  his  physician  asked  him  about  dying, 
as  he  was  then  in  a  dangerous  condition.  "  I 
would  not  guess  head  or  tail  to  live  or  die," 
responded  the  boy,  tossing  on  his  bed  of  agony  ; 
but  it  was  ordained  otherwise  for  the  coura 
geous  lad,  for  he  has  since  been  blessed  with 
long  life  and  good  health,  except  one  serious 
intermission,  coming  shortly  afterwards,  which 
almost  nipped  in  the  bud  the  life  of  the  prom 
ising  youth,  then  approaching  manhood. 

Those  whose  memories  recall  the  years 
1836  and  1837  will  remember  how  nearly  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain  became  in 
volved  in  war,  owing  to  the  disputed  boundary 


48  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERPORD. 

line  between  Canada  and  the  State  of  Maine. 
Discussion  raged  fiercely  in  the  press,  the  mili 
tary  spirit  of  the  country  was  aroused,  the 
victorious  banners  of  1812  were  again  unfurled, 
and  patriotic  men  throughout  the  land  stood 
read}7  to  resist,  to  the  death,  the  tyranny  and 
usurpation  of  the  mother  country.  Things 
had  come  to  such  a  pass  that  General  Zachary 
Taylor,  old  "  Rough  and  Read)7,"  was  ordered 
to  occupy  the  principal  points  on  the  frontier 
to  prepare  to  beat  back  the  threatened  in 
vasion.  But  the  determined  attitude  and  war 
like  preparations  of  the  United. States  were  in 
themselves  sufficient.  Great  Britain  did  not 
wish,  for  the  third  time,  to  try  arms  against  us, 
so  over  the  green  table  of  diplomacy,  instead 
of  on  the  blood)7  field  of  battle,  what  threatened 
to  embroil  the  two  nations  in  wanton  strife 
was  finally  satisfactorily  adjusted.  During  all 
this  time  the  burning  desire  of  young  Hunger- 
ford  to  enter  the  military  service  of  his  country 
was  only  intensified  in  the  presence  of  the 
actual  danger.  But  he  was  again  stricken 
down  by  a  fearful  malady.  Pneumonia  had 
him  in  its  grasp,  and  at  what  promised  to  be 
the  threshold  of  his  military  career.  Once 
more,  though,  his  indomitable  will  and  vigorous 
constitution  which  carried  no  inherited  taint, 


DAXIEL    E.    HUXGERFORD.  49 

again  snatched  him,  as  it  were,  from  the  grave. 
The  disease,  however,  had  left  its  marks ;  in 
stead  of  his  hitherto  robust  form,  nothing  but 
bone  and  muscle  remained,  and  very  little  of 
the  latter,  need  it  be  said.  It  had  its  compen 
sating  effects,  nevertheless  ;  for  it  had  removed 
all  superfluous  flesh,  and  his  form  had  become 
lithe  and  athletic.  During  the  whole  course  of 
his  illness,  he  felt  the  bitter  disappointment  of 
frustrated  hopes,  and  his  one  question  to  the 
physician  was  always :  "  When  will  I  be  able 
to  leave  my  bed  ?  Will  I  be  able  to  join 
Taylor's  forces  ? "  Happily,  his  services  were 
not  needed  ;  his  opportunity  came  at  a  future 
period. 

In  1836,  another  presidential  election  came 
round,  and  Democracy  had  again  an  ardent 
champion  in  young  Hungerford.  Though  not 
yet  of  age,  and  therefore  unable  to  exercise  the 
elective  franchise,  this  did  not  prevent  the 
young  enthusiast  from  mixing  freely  in  the 
political  discussions  of  the  hour,  and  many  a 
speech  the  beardless  boy  made  for  the  party 
that  he  recognized  as  the  instrument  of  the 
country's  progress  and  position  among  nations, 
and  which  had  brought  it  to  the  eminence 
which  challenged  the  admiration  of  the  world. 
Patriotism  and  love  of  country  characterized 


5O  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

the  Hungerford  famity,  but  in  politics  Dan 
took  issue  with  his  father  and  brothers.  Dem 
ocracy,  for  him,  was  the  party  best  calculated 
to  bring  out  the  nation's  strength,  and  from 
that  opinion  he  has  never  deviated.  Firm 
and  consistent  in  principle,  his  faith  has  re 
mained  unaltered.  Trimming  or  changing 
with  the  fortune  of  parties  his  nature  abhored. 
In  1839,  ne  visited  New  York.  The  bustle 
and  life  of  the  great  city  vividly  impressed 
him.  He  felt  that  in  such  a  community  he 
would  have  full  scope  for  his  active  mind  ; 
the  quiet  country  village  was  not  suited  to 
one  of  his  characteristics.  He,  therefore,  in 
wardly  determined  that  there  he  would  cast 
his  fortunes  with  the  bus)7  surging  crowd,  as 
there  his  ambitions  could  be  gratified,  and  he 
would  find  ample  scope  for  his  energies.  But 
he  kept  his  own  counsel  till  the  following  sum 
mer.  Then,  seeing  his  father,  he  frankly  told 
him  that  he  was  old  enough,  and  had  the 
capability  to  earn  his  own  livelihood,  and 
something  more.  His  father  was  loath  to  let 
the  favorite  son  and  the  youngest  of  nine 
children  leave  him.  But  Dan  urged  strongly  : 
"  Think  it  over,  father,  and  let  me  know  in 
three  days ;  I  am  going  anyway,  but  I  want 
your  consent,"  said  the  boy.  Filial  affection 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  51 

was  strong  in  young  Hungerford,  and  it  wrung 
his  heart  to  give  pain  to  his  good  father.  At 
the  end  of  three  days  his  father  yielded  to  his 
persuasions,  having  great  confidence  in  the 
self-reliance  of  his  son,  and  knowing  his  fixed 
principles  of  honor  and  honesty ;  he  felt  sure 
that'  he  could  carve  out  his  own  destiny. 
With  a  light  heart  and  an  earnest  purpose  he 
arrived  in  the  great  city ;  friends  he  quickly 
made,  and  true  ones,  who  admired  his  pluck 
and  his  principles.  It  was  not  long  before  he 
found  a  place,  and  soon  the  young  adventurer 
was  playing  his  opening  part  in  the  drama  of 
life  in  the  great  metropolis. 

In  1840,  he  was  visited  by  a  brother,  who 
persuaded  him  to  visit  another  brother,  who 
was  doing  business  in  Oneida  County,  near  the 
old  home.  Glad  of  his  return,  and  appreciating 
his  abilities  and  energies,  the  brother  prevailed 
upon  him  to  accept  an  equal  partnership  in 
the  business. 

During  this  year,  Harrison  was  running 
for  president.  The  canvass  was,  up  to  that 
period,  the  most  exciting  in  the  history  of  the 
country.  Young  Hungerford  entered  into  the 
campaign  with  his  accustomed  ardor ;  and 
though  his  mother  was  first  cousin  to  W.  H. 
Harrison  himself,  this  fact  did  not  abate  one 


CJ2  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

* 

whit  his  enthusiasm  in  favor  of  the  opposing 
candidate.  He  stood  for  principle  quand  meme, 
and  both  family  influence  and  affinities  went 
for  naught  with  him.  All  this  activity  in  the 
duties  of  citizenship  and  his  high-mindedness  of 
character  gained  for  him  popularity  and  friend 
ships,  and  won  the  favor  of  all  those  who  ad 
mire  a  promising  3^outh. 

Country  life  did  not  suit  young  Hungerford. 
The  taste  he  had  already  gotten  of  the  busy 
city  only  whetted  his  appetite  to  be  again  in 
the  arena,  where  his  energies  could  have  full 
play.  The  bartering  and  petty  style  of  doing 
business,  prevalent  in  the  country  town,  was 
ill-suited  to  him,  so  once  more  he  turned  his 
face  towards  New  York. 

From  1840  to  1842  he  attended  the  military 
school  of  Colonel  W.  W.  Tompkins.  This 
was,  indeed,  congenial  to  his  tastes,  and  happy 
days  they  were  for  him.  Taking  a  lead  in  the 
school,  he  attracted  the  attention  of  many  peo 
ple  outside,  and  his  heart  was  gladdened  by 
his  election  to  the  lieutenancy  of  a  militia 
company.  Now  his  desires  were  beginning  to 
take  practical  shape.  His  ascent  was  easy  and 
rapid.  Soon  afterwards  followed  his  commis 
sion  as  captain  in  the  one  hundred  and  ninety- 


^   ^i 

Q 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  53 

seventh  regiment  of  New  York  State  militia, 
he  having  previously  served  as  adjutant. 

He  wrote  at  this  time  various  articles 
on  military  matters,  which  excited  con 
siderable  comment;  among  others,  one  ad 
vocating  military  instruction  in  the  public 
schools.  This  caused  much  discussion,  and 
the  subject  was  taken  up  by  instructors 
throughout  the  country.  The  result  we  see 
at  the  present  day;  hardly  one  of  our  States 
is  without  a  detail  of  officers  of  the  U.  S.  Army, 
teaching  military  tactics  in  their  universities,  • 
and  few  schools  there  are,  either  public  or 
private,  in  wrhich  some  military  instruction 
does  not  form  part  of  the  course.  How  many 
are  there  now  living  who  know  and  appreciate 
that  the  first  agitation  of  this  matter,  so  bene 
ficial  to  the  youth  of  our  country  and  incalcu 
lable  in  its  results,  came  from  an  article  by 
young  Hungerford's  pen. 

Early  in  the  forties  he  entered  upon  the 
most  serious  step  in  his  life.  A  young  lady, 
Mademoiselle  Eveline  de  la  Visera,  loving  and 
beloved  by  many,  was  the  choice  of  the  young 
man's  affections.  She  came  of  an  old  French 
family,  her  parents  being  born  in  France, 
though  herself  born  in  New  York  city.  She 
had  received  every  advantage,  and  had  gradu- 


54  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

ated  with  high  honors  at  the  Female  Seminary 
of  Perth  Amboy,  New  Jersey,  of  which  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Halsey  wras  the  principal.  The 
courtship  was  short;  the  marriage  followed 
soon  after,  and  never  did  wedding  bells  ring 
more  cheerily  nor  peal  more  merrily  than  on 
that  bright  morning  when  those  two  young 
hearts  Were  united.  And  that  union,  sealed  in 
the  springtime  of  their  lives,  now  that  the 
autumn  has  come,  and  the  winter  approaching, 
is  but  the  more  firm.  Through  their  long  and 
eventful  lives  no  cloud  has  ever  rested  on  the 
horizon  of  their  happy  married  life.  When 
the  country  was  in  danger,  Mrs.  Hungerford 
was  not  the  one  to  urge  her  husband  to  remain 
at  home.  She  bade  him  go  where  his  patriotic 
nature  called  him.  And  while  he  was  away, 
her  time  was  not  spent  in  unavailing  regrets; 
far  from  it,  her  tender  heart  and  nobility  of 
character  found  ample  scope  in  ministering  to 
the  wants  of  the  poor  soldiers  who,  returning 
to  their  native  town  sick  and  wounded,  needed 
woman's  solace  in  their  sad  lot.  Without 
ostentation  or  display,  Mrs.  Hungerford  did 
her  duty  and  more.  It  has  been  hers  to  test 
the  truth  that  "the  bravest  and  noblest  on 
war's  bloody  fields  are  the  bravest  and  truest 
in  love." 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  55 

Three  children  blessed  this  happy  union, 
Marie  Louise  Antoinette,  Daniel  Dominique, 
and  Ada  Elmire.  Under  the  guidance  of  that 
good  mother,  herself  a  lady  in  every  sense  of 
the  word,  those  children  were  well  fitted  to 
adorn  the  high  stations  they  were  destined  to 
fill.,  The  eldest  daughter,  beautiful  and  ac 
complished,  was  first  married  to  Edmund  Gar 
diner  Bryant,  of  Brooklyn,  who  died,  leaving 
her  a  widow  at  the  early  age  of  nineteen.  She 
then  married  J.  W.  Mackay,  the  "  Bonanza 
King  "  of  California,  one  of  America's  financial 
geniuses,  whose  Aladdin-like  career  and  im 
mense  interests  have  made  his  name  known  in 
all  parts  of  the  world.  The  second,  a  son, 
whose  early  loss  they  had  to  deplore  at  the 
tender  age  of  four  years.  The  third  married 
Count  Guiseppe  Telfener,  an  Italian  nobleman, 
residing  in  Rome.  Well  may  he  be  proud  of 
his  cultivated  American  wife,  a  type  of  charm 
ing  and  graceful  womanhood,  who  could  com 
pare  most  favorably  with  any  of  the  countesses 
presented  at  the  Italian  Court. 

In  1845,  ne  is  again  in  politics.  The  native 
American  party  was  then  at  its  height.  The 
intense  patriotism  of  young  Hungerford  caused 
him  to  ally  himself  with  that  political  organiz 
ation.  Solicited  by  his  friends,  he  finally  con- 


56  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

sented  to  allow  his  name  to  be  used,  and  he  was 
elected  to  public  office  by  his  fellow-citizens. 
At  the  same  time  Harper,  of  the  publishing 
firm,  was  elected  mayor.  Hungerford  dis 
charged  the  duties  of  his  office  with  such  satis 
faction  to  all  parties  that  he  was  unanimously 
renominated;  and  although  his  part}7  was 
beaten  by  several  thousand  majority,  he  came 
within  nine  votes  of  a  re-election.  This  spoke 
volumes  for  his  popularity  among  the  people. 
Nothing  could  swerve  him  from  his  duty,  and 
though  a  strong  partisan,  the  sanctity  of  the 
oath  of  office  had  for  him  too  great  a  signifi 
cance  to  be  lightly  considered.  Whether  on 
the  field  of  battle  or  in  civil  life  he  always 
felt  that  there  was  no  obligation  so  sacred  as 
that  which  a  public  office  imposed.  To  be  the 
custodian  of  the  honor  of  the  people  was  for 
him  the  highest  trust  that  could  be  confided. 


CHAPTER   III. 

Hostilities  Break  Out  in  Mexico  —  Receipt  of  News  in  New 
York  —  Hungerford  Raises  Troops  —  Ordered  to  Fort  Ham 
ilton —  A  Paymaster's  Mistake  —  Departure  for  the  Seat 
of  War  —  Arrival  —  Letters  from  Mexico  —  Treaty  of 
Peace  —  Triumphal  Return  of  Regiment  to  Fort  Hamil 
ton  —  Reception  Given  by  the  City  of  New  York. 

A  BOUT  the  middle  of  May,  1846,  news  of  the 
battles  of  Gen.  Taylor  on  the  Rio  Grande 
reached  New  York.  This  kindled  the  flame 
of  enthusiasm  and  patriotic  ardor.  The  mar 
tial  spirit  of  the  country  was  aroused  and 
thousands  gathered  in  the  streets  to  listen 
and  be  fired  by  the  speeches  delivered  at 
almost  every  street  corner.  The  cry  was  now, 
"On  to  the  City  of  Mexico!",  as,  in  a  few  years 
later,  it  was  to  be  "On  to  Richmond!"  though 
the  latter  was  at  our  doors,  and  the  former 
three  thousand  miles  away.  Yet  volunteers 
were  read}7  and  willing.  Young  Hungerford, 
returning  from  one  of  the  meetings,  realized 
that  there  was  no  time  to  be  lost,  and  he  deter 
mined  to  be  the  first  in  the  breach.  He  knew 
that  the  Halls  of  the  Montezumas  would  never 
be  taken  by  speeches  in  New  York  city ;  regi- 


58  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

ments  would  have  to  be  raised  and  blood}7 
battles  fought  before  our  flag  would  fly  over 
the  Mexican  capital.  A  meeting  of  the  Native 
American  party  was  called  for  that  night  at 
American  Hall,  corner  of  Broadway  and  Prince 
St.  Hungerford  attended,  but,  desirous  of  more 
earnest  work  than  mere  lip  service,  he  had  pre 
pared  a  list  for  the  signatures  of  those  who 
were  willing  to  enlist  in  the  country's  defence. 
The  meeting  was  about  to  adjourn  without 
anything  being  done,  when  Hungerford,  bound 
ing  on  the  platform,  electrified  the  meeting  by 
a  fervid,  patriotic  address.  He  drew  a  picture 
of  the  gallant  little  army  of  Taylor,  hundreds 
of  miles  away  from  them  that  night,  and  look 
ing  to  them  for  reinforcements.  "  Are  we,"  he 
asked,  "to  content  ourselves  by  sympathetic 
words  ?  Has  not  the  time  for  action  come  ? "  he 
cried.  "  Will  we  haul  down  our  flag,  and  shame 
fully  retreat  while  there  are  thousands  of  men 
here  able  to  prevent  it  ?  Our  fathers  did  not 
do  this  in  1 8 1 2.  Let  us  show  that  we  are  as  good 
patriots  a's  they."  Then,  holding  the  paper  in 
his  hand,  he  appealed  to  the  young  men  pres 
ent  who  thought  as  he  did,  to  step  forward  and 
sign,  he  inscribing  his  name  first.  In  response 
to  the  young  patriots  call,  one  hundred  and 
fifteen  stalwart  young  Americans  signed  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  59 

roll.  Two  days,  after,  he  published  in  the 
New  York  Sun  a  notice,  asking  the  signers 
to  meet  at  California  Hall,  on  West  Broadway, 
and  organize  a  company  of  volunteers.  It 
was  signed  D.  E.  Hungerford,  Captain,  and  it 
pledged  the  signers,  to  serve  under  him  ;  but 
when  they  came  together,  Hungerford  said  he 
did  not  wish  to  restrict  them  in  choice  of  their 
officers,  and  he  was  perfectly  willing  to  shoul 
der  a  musket  in  the  ranks,  like  any  one  of  them. 
He  therefore  resigned  his  rank,  and  said  he 
would  come  to  whatever  decision  they  came  to. 
The  men,  however,  thought  that  he,  himself, 
was  the  one  best  capable  of  leading  them,  so 
they  unanimously  elected  him  to  the  position. 
Two  lieutenants  were  chosen  at  the  same  time. 
That  same  evening  was  despatched  a  letter  to 
the  then  Secretary  of  War,  W.  L.  Marcy,  offer 
ing  their  services  to  the  Government.  While  it 
was  on  the  way  to  Washington,  a  requisition 
was  sent  to  the  Governor  of  New  York  State  at 
Albany,  to  raise  seven  regiments  of  volunteers, 
subject  to  a  future  call,  to  be  mustered  into  the 
U.  S.  service. 

A  few  days  later,  he  received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Marcy,  commending  him  for  his  alacrity 
and  patriotism,  as  being  the  first  to  offer  troops 
from  the  State  of  New  York.  He  referred  him 


60  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

to.  the  Governor  of  the  State.  The  Captain 
having  made  his  application  to  the  Governor, 
the  latter  recommended  him  to  ally  himself  and 
company  with  one  of  the  regiments  then  form 
ing.  The  consequence  was  that  he  joined  the 
First  New  York,  thinking  that  that  would  be 
the  first  one  to  see  active  service.  His  commis 
sion  was  signed  by  Silas  Wright,  with  rank 
dating  from  the  4th  of  June,  1846. 

Soon  after,  Col.  Jonathan  D.  Stevenson 
received  special  permission  from  the  War  De 
partment  to  raise  a  regiment  of  infantry  to  go 
to  California.  The  young  Captain  and  his 
company  received  the  first  offer  to  form  part 
of  the  regiment,  but  it  was  refused,  as  the  con 
ditions  of  the  service  were  too  ungenerous. 
The  Government  would  not  pay  the  expenses 
of  transportation  of  the  company  to  their 
homes,  after  they  were  mustered  out  of  the 
service.  This  was  manifestly  unjust,  as  how 
could  the  men  be  expected  to  shoulder  the  cost 
of  traveling  from  one  end  of  the  continent  to 
the  other.  The  Captain  was  willing,  but  he 
could  not  induce  his  men,  so  he  was  reluctantly 
obliged  to  decline  the  offer. 

No  further  call  was  made  till  November ; 
in  the  meantime,  the  Captain  and  his  company 
met  every  week  for  drill,  and  strict  discipline 


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DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  6 1 

was  maintained  by  him.  They  drilled  at  the 
State  Arsenal,  then  on  Centre  Street,  opposite 
the  Tombs.  The  muskets  cost,  each,  twelve 
cents  a  night ;  this  and  other  expenses,  not  in 
considerable,  were  all  borne  by  the  Captain, 
who  found  the  self-imposed  task  a  heavy  one. 

Gen.  Ward  B.  Burnett,  a  West  Pointer,  the 
Colonel  of  the  regiment,  examined  young  Hun- 
gerford,  and  was  agreeably  surprised  at  the 
proficiency  he  displayed,  not  only  in  the  duties 
of  his  position,  but  also  in  general  military 
knowledge. 

Captain  Hungerford  kept 'his  company  in 
tact  until  the  time  for  mustering  in  the  United 
States  service,  the  other  companies  being 
obliged  to  fill  up  their  ranks  to  the  required 
number.  Three  companies  having  to  be  mus 
tered  in  before  a  certain  day,  it  became  nec 
essary  to  distribute  Hungerford's  company 
among  the  others ;  this  he  unwillingly  con 
sented  to  do,  although  much  against  the  wish 
of  his  men,  who  had  become  greatly  attached 
to  the  zealous  Captain.  Hungerford  again 
began  recruiting,  and  with  a  success  that  only 
such  energy  and  devotion  could  have.  Soon 
he  had  another  compan}T  raised,  some  mem 
bers  of  which  came  from  the  western  part  of 
the  State  as  far  as  Buffalo.  It  was  mustered 


62  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

into  the  service  of  Uncle  Sam  on  the  ninth  day 
of  December,  1846. 

Now  he  was  given  the  important  command 
of  the  redoubt,  in  the  rear  of  the  fort,  manned 
by  his  two  companies.  Such  was  the  con 
fidence  his  superior  officers  had  in  him.  He, 
realizing  the  importance  of  the  trust,  at  once 
commenced  a  system  of  rigid  discipline. 
Though  far  from  being  a  martinet,  he  was  not 
oppressive,  and  he  never  required  more  from 
his  men  than  what  he  was  willing  to  exemplify 
by  his  own  adherence  to  duty. 

Here  the  Captain  had  an  opportunity  of 
showing  an  example  of  honesty  to  his  men, 
and  of  giving  a  rebuke  to  his  brother  officers. 
To  Captain  Hungerford  was  deputed  the  pay 
ment  of  the  men's  clothing.  In  receiving  a 
sum  of  money  from  the  paymaster  for  the  nec 
essary  expenditures,  he  was  given  a  hundred 
dollars  too  much.  Perceiving  the  error,  the  Cap 
tain  returned  the  excess  amount  immediately, 
saying,  "  I  have  no  use  for  this."  "  What  is  this 
for?"  inquired  the  paymaster.  "A  slight  mis 
take,"  replied  the  honest  officer.  "  Impossible, 
I've  been  in  the  Pay  Department  thirty  years, 
and  never  yet  made  a  mistake."  "  Is  that  so  ? 
well,  it  only  shows  that  we  are  all  liable  to 
make  a  mistake  at  times,"  he  answered,  thrust- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  63 

ing  back  the  money.  This  regard  for  punc 
tilious  honesty  was  all  the  more  rare,  since  it 
was  generally  accepted  to  be  perfectly  legiti 
mate  to  profit  by  a  paymaster's  error.  But 
Captain  Hungerford's  fixed  principles  of  integ 
rity  did  not  permit  of  such  acceptations.  How 
few  in  life  have  this  high  sense  of  honor ; 
therefore  all  honor  to  the  few  who  do  possess 
it.  One  of  the  officers  present  remarked  that 
he  would  never  have  returned  the  money. 
"You  would  not!"  responded  the  Captain, 
"  then  I  am  sorry  for  you  ;  that  is  not  my  idea 
of  an  officer's  honor."  Nothing  more  was 
said,  and  the  Captain  walked  away  in  disgust, 
and  it  is  to  be  presumed  that  the  group  of  offi 
cers  who  had  heard  the  conversation  were 
duly  impressed  by  the  lesson  given  them  by 
this  stripling  young  volunteer  officer.  Let  us 
hope  the  impression  was  lasting. 

While  awaiting  the  order  for  embarkation, 
there  were  many  spare  hours  to  be  occupied. 
These  were  not  spent  by  Captain  Hungerford 
after  the  usual  manner  of  young  officers.  The 
billiard  table  and  card  room  had  no  patron  in 
him  ;  he  knew  full  well  that,  as  there  was  no 
royal  road  to  learning,  so  success  in  the  mili 
tary  profession  was  to  be  won  only  by  assid 
uous  attention  to  dutv,  and  hard  work.  What 


64  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORF). 

might  have  been  his  hours  of  leisure  were 
to  him  hours  of  labor  and  severe  discipline. 
And  were  a  desire  for  self-glorification  his  rul 
ing  spirit,  much  more  would  be  known  of  his 
career  than  I  am  permitted  to  state  in  this  book. 

Feeling  that  he  could  not  properly  dis 
charge  the  duties  of  his  position  without  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  what  those  duties  were, 
and  knowing  that  to  instruct  others  he  must 
first  be  well  instructed  himself,  he  made  a 
complete  study  of  the  volume  on  the  "  Rules 
and  Regulations  of  the  Army,"  and  the  "  Arti 
cles  of  War."  This  gave  him  not  only  a  compre 
hensive  idea  of  his  strictly  military  duties, 
but  also  of  the  internal  economy  of  his  com 
mand.  Afterwards,  while  in  active  service,  he 
had  many  times  to  congratulate  himself  on 
this  preparation,  and  he  had  never  cause  to 
regret  the  time  so  employed.  His  accounts 
were  as  ready  for  inspection  as  his  command 
were  proficient  in  their  drill.  He  became  quite 
an  authority  in  deciding  technical  points,  and 
man}7  a  vexed  question  was  left  to  his  decision. 

Life  in  the  fort  was  uneventful,  marked 
only  by  discipline,  drills,  and  hours  of  stud}7. 
But  days  of  expectation  must  end,  farewell  to 
drilling-grounds,  friends,  and  country  must  be 
said.  Officers  and  men  were  at  last  thrilled  to 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  65 

the  heart  by  the  receipt  of  the  long-coveted 
order  to  embark  for  Mexico.  The  last  bugle 
sounded  on  shore,  and  the  word  for  embark 
ation  was  given.  With  alacrity,  with  joy 
mixed  with  sadness,  the  order  was  obeyed. 
Words  grow  faint,  and  realization  indistinct, 
and  we  leave  the  imagination  to  supply  the 
thoughts  of  that  little  band  marching  forth, 
with  their  lives  in  their  hands,  saying  farewell, 
perhaps  forever,  to  those  they  loved  best.  But 
war  is  a  stern  master,  and  very  little  heed  can 
be  given  to  those  left  behind.  Far  away,  with 
Mexico  in  the  distance,  fame  to  be  won,  —  with 
all  this  in  view,  Captain  Hungerford,  leading 
the  way  at  the  head  of  his  company,  was  the 
first  to  embark.  Now  for  the  battles  in  the 
unknown  land,  teaching  was  to  be  put  into 
practice,  the  first  baptism  of  blood  and  fire  was 
near  at  hand.  Cheeril}7,  even  gaily,  they  set 
out,  alas !  so  man}^  never  to  return.  But  there 
was  no  quaking  in  the  breasts  of  those  brave 
men,  to  whom  the  country's  honor  and  safety 
were  so  well  entrusted,  and  never  did  hearts 
beat  faster  nor  with  more  glorious  expecta 
tions,  as  the  too  slow  ship  ploughed  the  waves, 
on  the  long  voyage  to  Mexico.  How  well  they 
performed  their  duty,  the  success  that  attended 
their  arms,  the  victorious  treaty  of  peace,  by 

9 


66  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

which  an  empire  of  territory  became  ours 
and  civilization  was  advanced  —  all  form  part 
of  the  nation's  history,  and  make  its  pages 
glow  with  untarnished  brilliancy.  I  will  not 
follow  Captain  Hungerford  through  the  war. 
The  official  records  amply  testify  to  his  bravery 
and  gallantry.  Instead,  I  will  give  verbatim 
a  letter  he  wrote  to  his  brother  from  the  city  of 
Mexico,  dated  March  7,  1848,  and  in  which 
he  describes  the  movements  he  took  part  in, 
personal  observations,  and  a  general  resume  of 
the  operations  of  the  army.  Seeing  .clearly 
and  writing  clearly,  his  letter  will  prove  inter 
esting  reading,  and,  being  unreserved  and  free, 
it  may  throw  a  new  light  on  some  discussed 
points.  He  says  : 

"  I  commence  to-night  a  detailed  account 
of  the  operations  and  incidents  of  the  campaign 
in  Mexico,  in  which  I  have  been  a  participant. 
Many  of  the  incidents  about  to  be  related  have 
come  under  my  own  observation. 

"On  Sunday,  January  3,  1847,  Captain 
Charles  H.  Shaw's  and  my  own  company  em 
barked  on  board  the  bark  Isabella  at  Fort 
Hamilton,  situated  at  the  entrance  of  New 
York  Harbor.  Captain  Shaw,  being  the  sen 
ior  captain,  was  in  command  of  the  detach 
ment.  We  remained  tying  off  the  fort  until 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  67 

the  night,  when  we  weighed  anchor,  and  put 
to  sea  with  a  fair  and  favorable  wind.  Our 
destination  was  Point  Isabelle,  and  we  made 
Brazos  Landing  on  the  twenty-fourth.  We 
remained  off  the  Brazos  nearly  a  week,  taking 
in  water,  food,  and  provisions.  We  were  then 
ordered  by  General  Scott  to  proceed  at  once  to 
the  Island  of  Lobos,  a  small  island  lying  just 
off  the  Mexican  Coast.  Lobos  was  designated 
as  the  place  of  rendezvous  for  the  troops  com 
posing  the  Army  of  Invasion,  under  General 
Scott.  We  arrived  here  and  disembarked, 
clearing  ground  sufficient  for  our  encampment ; 
we  pitched  our  tents  for  three  weeks  before 
the  remainder  of  our  regiment  joined  us.  Our 
time  was  occupied  during  our  sojourn  on  the 
island  by  drilling  and  preparing  for  more 
active  duties  in  the  field.  General  Scott  arriv 
ing  with  the  last  of  the  troops  from  the  Brazos, 
we  were  again  embarked  on  board  ship  to  ren 
dezvous  at  San  Antonis  Lizardo,  a  few  miles 
above  Vera  Cruz,  where  it  was  intended  to 
effect  a  landing  upon  the  coast  of  Mexico,  but 
the  general-in-chief,  altering  his  plan  of  land 
ing,  ordered  the  numerous  transports  of  troops 
to  run  down  to  the  Island  of  Sacrificios,  much 
nearer  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz,  and  just  out  of 
range  of  the  heavy  guns  of  the  Castle  of  San 


68  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

Juan  de  Uloa.  The  island  lies  off  about  a 
mile  from  the  main  land,  and  affords  a  good 
shelter  for  shipping,  from  the  heavy  '  north 
erns,'  which  blow  so  fiercely  in  this  latitude, 
and  are  very  dangerous  to  shipping  upon  the 
coast,  probably  the  worst  in  the  world.  From 
this  point  the  commander-in-chief  proposed  to 
land  his  force. 

"The  disembarking  commenced  on  the  gth 
of  March,  under  protection  of  our  men-of-war  ; 
the  landing  was  effected  as  follows  :  The  First 
Division,  General  Worth,  commanding  on  the 
ninth ;  the  Volunteer  Division,  General  Pat 
terson,  commanding  on  the  tenth  ;  and  the 
Second  Division,  General  Twiggs,  on  the  tenth 
and'  eleventh.  General  Worth  met  with  but 
little  opposition,  owing,  probably,  to  the  nature 
of  the  ground,  and  the  deceived  Mexicans,  not 
anticipating  a  landing  on  this  coast,  had  made 
no  preparations  for  our  reception ;  they,  sup 
posing  we  would  attempt  the,  disembarkation 
at  San  Antonis  Lizardo,  had  made  rather  ex 
tensive  preparations  to  oppose  us  at  that  point. 
On  the  tenth,  we  left  the  water  or  floating 
prison,  and  sallied  forth  on  terra  firma,  glad  to 
have  space  enough  to  use  our  elbows  once 
more.  We  formed  our  line  upon  the  beach, 
where  we  first  planted  the  colors  of  the 


•DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  69 

Empire  State.  It  was  a  grand  imposing  sight  - 
our  dark  blue  jackets  and  white  belts  contrast 
ing  with  our  bright,  shining  bayonets,  as  the 
rays  of  a  scorching  tropical  sun  poured  down, 
casting  back  a  blinding  reflection  of  glittering 
fire.  The  bright,  glowing  colors  upon  our 
state  standard  seemed  as  if  rivaling  the  efful 
gent  rays  of  the  rainbow,  as  it  took  the  gentle 
breeze,  and  loosened  its  folds  to  the  free  breath 
of  the  heavens.  We  proceed  to  possess  our 
selves  of  the  many  hills  overlooking  the  city. 
Before  going  farther,  it  may  be  well  to  give 
you  an  idea  of  the  situation  of  the  city,  and  a 
partial  description  of  the  immediate  surround 
ing  county.  Vera  Cruz  is  situated  upon  the 
point  of  the  mainland,  apparently  running  out 
into  the  sea.  It  is  upon  a  sandy  plain. 
Directly  in  front,  facing  the  sea,  stands,  upon 
a  small  island  of  coral,  the  celebrated  San 
Juan  de  Uloa.  The  city  is  right  upon  the 
shore,  indeed,  the  ocean  washes  against  the 
foundations  of  some  of  the  buildings ;  to  the 
rear,  a  level,  sandy  plain,  extending  some  two 
miles ;  then  rise  enormous  high  hills  of  loose 
sand,  apparently  lodged  there  from  some  un 
known  causes.  Between  these  hills  run  the 
roads  leading  to  and  communicating  with  the 
interior.  You  will  perceive  that  the  city, 


7O  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

being  upon  a  point,  by  extending  our  line 
straight  across,  we  reach  the  beach  on  the 
opposite  side,  and  consequently  prevent  com 
munication  between  the  city  and  the  interior. 
General  Worth  kept  more  along  the  beach, 
probably  with  a  view  of  gaining  an  advanta 
geous  position,  while,  as  I  stated  before,  we 
proceeded  to  take  possession  of  the  hills.  In 
effecting  this,  we  had  several  smart  skirmishes 
with  the  enemy's  light  troops  and  lancers.  We 
finally  gained  a  position,  and  bivouacked  for 
the  night  upon  the  loose  sand.  I  lost,  in  the 
day's  operations,  one  man.  It  was  my  turn  to 
be  on  guard  that  night,  and  a  hard  tour  of  duty 
I  found  it.  I  tore  my  clothes  to  pieces,  going 
among  the  'chaparral,'  to  place  and  post  my 
pickets.  Nothing  of  importance  happening 
during  the  night  to  disturb  the  tranquillity  of 
the  camp,  the  next  morning  at  an  early  hour 
we  marched  still  further  across  the  hills,  and 
slept  that  night  upon  the  brow  of  a  large  hill. 
A  strong  '  norther '  had  sprung  up  during  the 
night,  and  when  daylight  broke,  it  was  diffi 
cult  to  tell  whether  there  were  any  human 
beings  in  the  vicinity  or  not,  but  the  doubt  was 
soon  dispelled ;  officers  and  soldiers  disinter 
themselves  by  throwing  off  the  heaps  of  sand 
which  had  served  them  for  a  blanket,  blown 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  Jl 

there  during  the  night.  Such  was  the  same 
ness  of  each  day  and  night  until  the  sixteenth, 
when  we  had  gained  our  position  proper  for 
the  investment  of  the  city.  Our  position  in 
the  line  of  investment  brought  us  on  the  Ori 
zaba  Road,  one  of  the  principal  avenues  lead 
ing  from  the  city.  We  had  cleared  a  sufficient 
space  for  the  occupation  of  the  companies  in 
the  line  of  battle,  in  which  order  we  encamped 
with  a  space  of  twenty  or  thirty  feet  interven 
ing  between  the  companies'  camps.  We 
cleared  also  a  ground  for  parade.  After  a 
lapse  of  several  days,  we  got  our  tents  up  from 
the  beach,  some  three  or  four  miles  distance, 
no  easy  task,  there  being  no  other  means  of 
transportation  than  little  burros  or  "jacks," 
that  were  caught  in  the  'chaparral.'  There 
was  no  practicable  road  for  wagons  over  the 
hills  of  sand,  and  through  the  'chaparral.' 
While  occupying  this  position,  we  were  fre 
quently  called  upon  to  furnish  details  for  the 
working  parties,  building  and  establishing  bat 
teries  for  subjugation  of  the  city.  On  two 
occasions,  my  company  was  called  to  the  works. 
The  last  time  I  shall  never  forget:  A  fierce 
'norther'  was  blowing  the  sand  like  a  snow 
drift,  filling  our  eyes,  ears,  and  mouths,  coming 
with  such  force  as  to  bring  the  blood  as  it 


72  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

struck  the  cheek.  That  was  a  terrible  night. 
On  returning  to  camp,  my  men  became  scat 
tered,  and  some  of  them  did  not  find  their  way 
back  until  noon  the  next  day.  Provisions 
were  very  scarce ;  in  fact,  I  do  not  know  what 
we  would  have  done,  had  there  not  been 
plenty  of  beef  found  among  the  '  chaparral.' 
We  were  obliged  to  send  parties  from  camp 
to  hunt  beef,  and  supply  us  in  that  way. 
On  one  occasion,  the  nineteenth  of  March,  a 
party  of  beef-hunters  from  the  First  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers  was  surrounded  by  a 
large  force  of  rancheros  who  were  in  our 
rear  watching  an  opportunity  to  break  our 
lines  and  gain  the  city.  This  little  party, 
consisting  of  twenty  under  command  of  a 
subaltern,  were  in  danger  of  being  cut  off 
from  us.  We,  lying  nearest,  intelligence 
reached  us  first  of  their  situation.  Col.  Bur 
nett  ordered  four  companies  under  arms,  to 
march  to  the  assistance  and  rescue  of  the 
party.  The  companies  were  Hungerford's, 
Dyckman's,  Taylor's,  and  De  Bougard's,  which 
were  promptly  got  ready.  Leaving  camp, 
we  pursued  the  Orizaba  Road,  where  we 
were  joined  by  Col.  Wynkoop,  of  the  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers.  With  a  portion  of  this 
regiment,  we  followed  the  road  to  where  it 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  73 

branches  off,  when  Col.  Burnett  gave  Col. 
Wynkoop  one  of  his  companies  to  make 
their  respective  forces  equal.  Col.  Wynkoop 
was  to  follow  the  road  leading  to  the  right 
and  gain  the  enemy's  rear,  while  Col.  Bur 
nett  was  to  take  the  left,  leading  through 
a  thick  '  chaparral '  and  breaking  into  an 
open  plain  (where  the  enemy  was  sup 
posed  to  be),  and  attack  in  front.  After 
this  arrangement,  the  two  colonels  took 
the  agreed  directions.  I  was  with  Col.  Bur 
nett.  We  pursued  the  road  until  we  came 
to  the  opening,  where  we  discovered  the 
enemy,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
us,  positioned  upon  the  brow  of  a  hill  ris 
ing  above  the  plain.  The  Colonel  immedi 
ately  set  about  the  disposition  of  his  little 
force.  Taylor's  company  he  ordered  to  gain 
a  clump  of  trees  or  brushwood.  The  field 
was  studded  all  over  with  clumps  of  trees 
and  bushes.  Under  the  cover  of  the  '  chap 
arral'  to  the  right,  Dyckman's  company 
was  ordered  to  deploy  as  skirmishers  to  the 
left,  and  advance  unperceived  and  attack 
the  enemy's  right,  while  Hungerford's  com 
pany  was  to  advance  upon  the  open  plain 
and  attack  and  charge  in  front.  Arriving 
at  the  base  of  the  hill,  Hungerford  charged 


74  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

with  his  company  up  the  hill  and  dislodged 
the  enemy,  about  eighty  strong.  However, 
they  fell  back  upon  their  main  body,  about 
five  hundred  horse  and  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  infantry.  As  soon  as  Captain 
Hungerford  had  gained  the  summit  they 
opened  a  brisk  fire  upon  him.  He  imme 
diately  withdrew  his  company  just  off  the 
summit  of  the  hill,  so  as  to  protect  his 
brave  men  as  much  as  possible.  He  then 
ordered  them  to  load  kneeling,  and  rise  up 
so  as  to  look  over  the  hill,  returning  the 
fire  with  alacrity  and  good  effect.  Captain 
Dyckman,  gaining  an  advantageous  position, 
opened  a  well-directed  fire  upon  the  enemy's 
right  flank,  with  execution,  the  Mexicans 
making  a  movement  off  to  their  right,  with 
evident  intention  to  cut  off  Captain  Dyck- 
man's  company.  Captain  Hungerford,  seeing 
the  apparent  danger  of  the  gallant  Dyck 
man,  made  a  counteracting  movement  to 
thwart  the  supposed  design  of  the  Mexi 
cans.  The  rancheros,  being  mounted,  con 
sequently  moved  faster  than  Hungerford's 
infantry,  but  the  movement  had  the  effect 
of  causing  the  enemy  to  take  a  greater  cir 
cuit  than  he  intended,  which  brought  him 
outside  of  Captain  Dyckman.  He,  however, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  75 

succeeded  in  outflanking  us.  But  Captain 
Hungerford  again  opened  his  fire,  this  time 
by  the  front  and  rear  rank  alternately. 
The  enemy  having  so  far  gained  an  advan 
tage  by  nearly  surrounding  us,  the  Colonel, 
seeing  this,  ordered  the  recall  previously 
agreed  upon,  when  Captain  Hungerford  with 
his  company  joined  the  Colonel  on  the 
right.  Captain  Dyckman  not  answering  the 
recall,  fears  were  entertained  for  his  safety. 
Thus  affairs  stood  at  the  setting  of  the  sun. 
Here  an  incident  occurred  worth  recording, 
showing  the  coolness  of  man  in  time  of  the 
greatest  danger.  By  this  time  the  enemy 
had  completed  the  chain  and  had  entirely 
surrounded  us.  We  were  at  their  mercy. 
We  knew  not  to  what  fate  one  of  our  com 
panies  was  doomed.  Col.  Burnett,  gazing  at 
the  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun,  as  it  tinged 
the  heavens  with  its  gold  and  silver  beams, 
showing  forth  all  the  beauteous  colors  of 
the  rainbow's  hues,  exclaimed  in  a  calm 
and  quite  undisturbed  tone,  as  if  looking 
from  his  own  balcony,  '  What  a  beauti 
ful  sunset !  Did  you  ever  witness  such  a 
sight  ? '  We  afterwards  formed  around  a 
clump  of  bushes,  prepared  to  repel  a  charge. 
The  enemy  venturing  within  range  of  our 


76  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

muskets,  we  opened  a  fire  upon  them  by 
platoons,  which  sent  some  six  or  eight  of 
their  horses  away  minus  their  riders.  They 
did  not  appear  very  desirous  of  making  a 
further  acquaintance,  so  they  kept  at  a 
respectful  distemce.  Captain  Dyckman  at 
this  time  joined  us,  he  having  sheltered  his 
company  in  another  clump  of  bushes,  while 
we  supposed  him  in  the  greatest  peril.  A 
consultation  was  held  as  to  further  action, 
Captain  Hungerford,  Captain  Taylor,  and 
Captain  Dyckman  coinciding  that  we  should 
charge  and  break  through  the  enemy's  line 
at  his  weakest  point,  which  was  where  his 
right  had  rested  at  the  commencement  of 
the  action,  by  this  means  to  gain  the  main 
wood  on  our  left  and  cut  him  off  from  his 
camp.  Once  in  the  wood,  we  were  safe 
from  a  charge  of  his  horse ;  while  with 
this  advantage,  we  could  safely  harass  and 
annoy  him.  The  Colonel,  however,  after 
ascertaining  from  the  captains  that  their 
men  had  no  bread  or  water,  two  things 
most  essential  to  the  soldier,  he,  with  a 
Jackson-like  firmness,  ordered  three  sides  of 
a  square  to  be  formed,  leaving  the  rear  of 
the  square  open,  with  the  understanding 
that  in  case  of  a  charge  from  the  enemy, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  77 

to  complete  it  by  throwing  back  the  second 
platoon  of  Taylor's  or  Dyckman's  compa 
nies.  The  square  thus  compassed,  and  with 
these  necessary  precautions,  we  moved  to 
wards  the  camp,  and  triumphantly  marched 
off  the  field,  without  meeting  with  any 
opposition,  although  we  passed  within  a 
short  distance  of  the  Mexicans,  as  they 
were  between  ourselves  and  our  camp.  Col. 
Burnett  opposed  the  proposition  of  the 
council  of  captains  for  the  reason  that  the 
men  had  no  bread  in  their  knapsacks  nor 
water  in  their  canteens.  We  might  have 
done  without  bread,  but  water  was  much 
needed,  and  without  the  latter  our  suffering 
would  have  been  intense ;  already  it  was 
being  felt  among  the  soldiers ;  none  but 
those  having  experienced  it  can  know  the 
great  distress  occasioned  by  the  want  of 
water  during  the  heat  of  an  engagement. 
Had  Colonel  Wynkoop  followed  the  route 
of  his  directions,  we  would  have  captured 
the  whole  of  the  Mexican  force;  but  for 
some  reason  that  I  have  not  been  able  to 
ascertain,  he  returned  to  camp  instead,  very 
soon  after  separating  from  Col.  Burnett, 
leaving  us  at  the  mercy  of  an  enemy  not 
bound  by  any  of  the  obligatory  rules  of 


78  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

civilized  warfare,  and  showing,  whenever 
opportunity  afforded,  a  savage  barbarity 
that  rivaled  the  most  uncivilized  of  the 
Indian  tribes  on  the  American,  continent, 
from  which  our  little  force  narrowly 
escaped.  At  the  time  of  the  "occurrence, 
the  eyes  of  the  whole  American  Union 
were  directed  towards  Vera  Cruz,  anxiously 
awaiting  news  from  that  quarter,  making 
a  mountain  out  of  the  smallest  mole-hill, 
and  transforming  a  little  skirmish  into  a 
great  and  important  battle.  Had  Col.  Bur 
nett  made  a  report  of  the  affair  to  the 
Commanding  General,  we  would  have  had 
an  early  reputation,  a  reputation  since 
bought  at  the  expense  of  many  a  brave 
and  gallant  fellow,  whose  bones  are  now 
bleaching  among  the  heights  of  Cerro  Gordo, 
among  the  rocky  pedregats  of  Contreras, 
on  the  plains  of  Cherubusco,  the  hills  and 
swamps  of  Chapultepec,  and  the  Garita  de 
Belen. 

The  batteries  having  been  completed  and 
the  siege  batteries  got  into  position,  the  can 
nonade  commenced  from  the  American  lines 
on  the  twenty-first  of  March,  and  continued 
with  but  little  or  no  cessation  till  the  twenty- 
seventh,  when  commissioners  from  the  Mexi- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  79 

can  authorities  arrived  at  our  camp,  under  a 
flag  of  truce,  to  negotiate  a  capitulation  of 
the  city  and  castle.  The  terms  of  the  capitu 
lation  having  been  agreed  upon  and  ratified 
by  the  proper  agents  of  the  two  Powers,  the 
city  of  Vera  Cruz,  with  the  famous  and  cele 
brated  Castle  of  San  Juan  de  Uloa,  capitu 
lated  and  was  evacuated  on  the  twenty-ninth 
of  March,  the  whole  Mexican  army  laying 
down  their  arms  in  the  presence  of  the  Ameri 
can  troops,  and  being  allowed  to  return  to 
their  respective  homes,  the  officers  on  their 
parole.  The  Americans  at  once  took  posses 
sion  of  the  city,  which  they  found  in  a  dis 
tressed  state  from  the  effects  of  the  siege.  It 
was  a  horrible  sight  to  behold  the  unburied 
bodies.  The  buildings  presented  the  picture 
of  an  old  city  in  ruins,  rather  than  the  com 
mercial  emporium  of  a  nation,  their  dilapi 
dated  condition  being  the  havoc  made  by  the 
shells  thrown  from  our  batteries,  showing  the 
terrible  result  to  the  enemy  of  our  superi 
ority  in  the  art  and  science  of  war.  Our 
troops  immediately  commenced  putting  the 
city  in  proper  order  again,  clearing  out  the 
stones,  mortar,  and  rubbish  from  the  streets 
and  other  public  places.  A  few  days  of  such 
work  gave  the  city  a  new  and  healthy  appear 


8o  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

ance.  The  stores  and  public  houses  were 
re-opened,  and  they  soon  resumed  their  ac 
customed  business,  being  assured  the  proper 
protection  from  the  American  authorities. 
In  the  meantime,  the  troops  were  ordered 
from  their  positions  behind  the  sand-hills  to 
encamp  on  the  beautiful  level  plains  near 
the  city.  This  was  a  magnificent  sight:  an 
army  of  about  twelve  thousand  encamped 
on  a  splendid  plain,  with  numerous  hills 
overlooking  the  fields  of  snow-white  tents, 
each  camp  laid  out  in  regular  order,  having 
its  streets  and  avenues,  its  parades,  etc.,  all 
presenting  a  picturesque  and  lovely  scene. 
Lying  just  off  the  beach,  riding  at  anchor, 
was  the  American  squadron,  the  larger  men- 
of-war  high  out  of  the  water,  with  their  sides 
bristling  with  bright  pieces  of  armament,  and 
the  broad  pennant  streaming  from  the  main, 
while  the  glorious  '  Stars  and  Stripes '  of 
'  happy  land '  were  unfurled  by  the  soft 
breath  of  heaven  from  the  peaks  of  large 
and  small  craft,  as  if  enjoying  the  hilarity 
of  the  occasion,  and  adding  to  the  brilliancy 
of  the  spectacle.  •  Such  a  sight  of  magnificent 
splendor  would  warm  the  coldest  heart  and 
almost  make  marble  animate.  This  enjoy 
ment  was  well  received  and  duly  appreciated, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  8 1 

after  the  privations  and  extreme  sufferings 
experienced  during  the  siege,  the  officers 
uniting  in  congratulations,  renewing  the  ac 
quaintance  of  former  times,  and  forming 
new  intimacies  with  the  gentlemen  repre 
senting  the  various  States  of  our  beloved 
Union  gathered  together  in  the  service  of 
their  country. 

"  During  a  visit  to  town  I  took  occasion 
to  pay  a  visit  to  the  castle.  I  cannot  but 
express  my  astonishment  at  the  impregnable 
appearance  of  the  fortress,  and  yet  to  fall  an 
easy  conquest  to  brighten  the  already  illus 
trious  arms  of  the  American  troops !  The 
castle  is  principally  built  of  the  coral  rock, 
a  soft  material,  with  a  heavy  granite  facing, 
the  granite  having  been  brought  from  the 
United  States  some  time  before  the  begin 
ning  of  the  war.  The  walls  are  very  thick, 
the  front  wall  well  planned  and  strongly 
constructed.  There  are  also  numerous  out 
works  of  water  batteries,  adding  greatly  to 
the  strength  and  defense  of  the  principal 
work,  the  castle.  The  works  were  well-con 
ditioned  and  in  good  fighting  order,  having 
a  full  and  complete  armament  of  arms  of 
various  caliber,  and  capable  of  sustaining 


02  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

a   long    and    protracted    if    not    a    successful 
defense. 

"  On  the  eighth  of  April,  the  volunteer  divi 
sion  (Patterson's)  broke  up  their  encampment 
and  took  up  their  line  of  march  for  the  inte 
rior,  preceded  a  few  days  by  Gen.  Twiggs' 
division  of  regulars.  The  first  day's  march 
was  awful ;  the  day  was  extremely  hot,  not  a 
breath  of  air  stirring  the  green  foliage  upon 
the  trees.  The  road  lay  over  deep,  loose 
sand,  ankle  deep,  for  about  six  miles,  and 
owing  to  the  scanty  means  of  transportation, 
the  men  were  compelled  to  carry  their  heavy 
knapsacks,  in  addition  to  their  haversacks, 
with  four  days'  rations,  besides  arms  and 
equipments  and  forty  rounds  of  ammunition. 
Many  of  the  men  were  compelled  through 
excessive  fatigue  to  lag  along  the  road.  We 
made  only  eight  miles'  march  that  day,  and 
encamped,  scattering  along  the  road,  near 
Monte  Clavo,  a  beautiful  hacienda  belonging 
to  Santa  Anna.  On  the  eleventh,  we  reached 
the  Puenta  National  Bridge,  a  strongly  forti 
fied  pass  in  a  beautiful  romantic  situation, 
with  two  high,  steep  hills  of  rocks  on  either 
side.  At  the  bottom  of  the  baranca  or  gorge 
runs  a  beautiful  river  on  the  Sierra ;  at  the 
left,  as  one  enters  the  vale,  stands  a  fort, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  83 

commanding  the  approach  from  either  direc 
tion.  To  the  left,  after  crossing  the  bridge, 
is  another  of  Santa  Anna's  lofty  palaces. 
Gen.  Twiggs  had  a  pretty  smart  brush  with 
the  enemy  at  this  place  the  day  preceding 
our  arrival. 

"  Nature  had  done  much  for  the  defense 
of  the  Puenta  National,  which  the  Mexicans 
abandoned  after  a  few  shots  from  Twiggs' 
artillery.  We  remained  one  night  at  this 
lovely  spot  of  scenic  beauty.  The  next  day 
we  followed  the  direction  of  our  march. 
This  was  a  hard  march.  The  New  York 
regiment  furnished  a  guard  of  four  compa 
nies  to  the  artillery,  my  company  being  one 
of  them.  This  guard  was  of  course  expected 
to  keep  up  with  the  artillery,  which  came 
very  hard  on  the  poor  fellows,  so  heavily 
laden  with  their  trappings.  We  made  but 
one  halt  during  the  march  of  seventeen 
miles,  and  no  water  to  be  found  the  whole 
distance.  Their  sufferings  were  intense,  yet 
the  poor  fellows  murmured  not,  bearing  up 
under  the  fatigues  like  beasts  of  burden 
rather  than  human  beings.  Really  they  are 
worthy  descendants  of  their  -forefathers  of 
'76.  In  the  afternoon  we  encamped,  or  I 
should  say  bivouacked,  on  Plan  del  Rio,  where 


84  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

our  gallant  men  refreshed  themselves  by 
bathing  in  the  stream  running  at  the  bottom 
of  the  ravine.  This  is  also  a  somewhat  forti 
fied  pass.  Gen.  Twiggs  here  again  had  an 
encounter  with  the  Mexican  troops  the  day 
before  our  arrival.  Gen.  Twiggs  had  discov 
ered  the  enemy  some  three  miles  distant,  pre 
pared  to  oppose  our  advance,  being  strongly 
fortified  and  in  full  force  on  the  heights  of 
Cerro  Gordo.  The  General  had  made  during 
the  day  a  reconnoissance  of  the  enemy's  posi 
tion,  and  had  gained  much  valuable  informa 
tion.  He  proposed  to  attack  him  the  next 
morning.  Gen.  Patterson,  however,  preferred 
to  await  the  coming  up  of  the  old  war-horse, 
Gen.  Scott,  from  Vera  Cruz.  Nothing  of  im 
portance  occurred  from  the  twelfth  to  the 
sixteenth,  when  Scott  arrived,  much  to  the 
gratification  of  all  concerned.  Reconnoitering 
was  continued  during  each  day,  and  fre 
quently  the  curiosity  of  the  Yankees  was 
discovered  by  the  artillerists  of  Santa  Anna's 
legion ;  they  would  make  known  the  discov 
ery  by  despatching  a  deadly  missile  of  war 
as  messenger,  but  without  any  serious  effect. 
"  General  Scott,  after  having  been  put  in 
possession  of  all  the  information  that  was 
obtained,  formed  his  plans  for  the  discom- 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  85 

fiture  of  the  braves  of  the  Great  Chieftain 
of  the  New  World.  He  proceeded  at  once  to 
put  them  into  execution,  and  on  the  seven 
teenth  commenced  the  movements  necessary 
to  secure  a  good  position. .  Roads  were  made 
through  the  thick  chaparral  and  over  hills ; 
artillery  was  got  into  position ;  and  every  pre 
caution  was  taken  and  all  arrangements  com 
pleted.  Gen.  Twiggs  had  a  sharp  fight  on  the 
seventeenth,  before  he  dislodged  the  enemy 
from  the  advanced  position  upon  the  Sierra 
Telegrafo,  a  hill  immediately  to  the  south  of 
Cerro  Gordo,  and  within  range  of  the  guns  of 
the  latter.  This  object  was  gained  late  in 
the  afternoon,  with  a  small  loss  on  our  side ; 
that  victory  added  greatly  to  the  splendid 
achievements  that  followed  the  next  morn 
ing.  As  this  point  was  the  base  of  operations 
against  the  strong  works  of  the  Mexicans 
upon  Cerro  Gordo,  our  brigade  (Shields')  occu 
pied  a  position  near  the  base  of  this  hill, 
and  during  the  night  we  dragged  the  heavy 
artillery  up  the  steep  sides,  and  it  operated 
with  terrible  effect  upon  the  enemy's  lines. 
It  is  astonishing  how  men  will  labor  and 
endure  such  hardships  under  an  excitement 
caused  by  the  anticipation  of  a  coming  strife. 
For  the  time  being  they  seemed  to  be  pos- 


86  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

sessed  of  uncommon  strength  both  of  body 
and  mind.  Shields'  brigade  bivouacked  under 
the  hill,  on  the  morning  of  the  eighteenth 
of  April,  a  day  so  bright  in  the  annals  of 
American  history.  It  was  ushered  in  by 
the  thundering  peals  of  Mexican  artillery,  as 
if  saluting  the  first  rays  of  the  rising  sun 
and  paying  homage  to  the  bright  aurora 
of  an  April  morn.  The  grape  and  round-shot 
swept  thick  and  fast  over  our  heads  as  we 
lay  under  cover  anxiously  awaiting  the  order 
to  advance.  Nothing  can  create  a  more  fev 
erish  excitement  than  lying  inactive  without 
the  view  of  a  battle's  range,  hearing  the 
booming  of  the  artillery  and  the  sharp  crack 
of  the  rifles  and  musketry.  We  were  not 
kept  long  in  suspense.  The  welcome  word 
came.  '  Fall  in !  fall  in ! '  was  repeated  by 
the  officers  in  rapid  succession,  and  soon  the 
bristling  bayonets  of  the  brave  volunteers 
were  reflecting  in  the  soft  rays  of  an  April 
sun.  We  filed  off  to  the  right,  around  the 
base  of  the  hill,  and  soon  were  exposed  to  the 
terrific  fire  from  the  Mexican  forts.  Coming 
in  full  view  of  Cerro  Gordo,  with  our  troops 
already  ascending  it,  only  increased  the  desire 
to  become  a  participant  in  the  coming  strug 
gle.  But  in  this  we  were  disappointed.  Gen. 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  87 

Shields  being  ordered  to  turn  the  enemy's 
left  and  gain  position  in  his  rear,  we  con 
sequently  crossed  the  ravine  to  the  right 
through  which  the  Mexicans  were  pouring 
a  most  destructive  fire,  and  mounted  the 
hill  on  the  opposite  side.  As  I  reached  the 
brow  of  the  hill  I  turned  to  look  back  at  my 
brave  countrymen,  as  the}7  continued  to  ad 
vance  with  steady  and  firm  step.  I  then 
discovered  that  I  was  not  the  only  one  that 
looked  upon  that  phalanx  of  chivalry,  for  the 
whole  New  York  regiment  were  gazing  upon 
the  scene.  At  this  moment  the  covering  of 
the  colors  of  the  Fifth  infantry  was  taken  off, 
and  the  beloved  emblem  of  the  free  took  the 
morning  breeze.  As  it  was  unfurled  to  the 
airy  breath  of  heaven,  the  sons  of  the  Empire 
State  saluted  with  as  three  hearty  cheers  as 
ever  came  from  the  throats  of  men.  Now, 
with  a  rapid  pace,  we  resumed  our  route, 
passing  through  a  narrow  path  by  a  flank. 
General  Shields  fell  at  the  head  of  his  brig 
ade.  Col,  Baker,  of  the  Illinois  volunteers, 
being  the  next  in  rank,  took  command.  About 
this  time  the  heights  of  Cerro  Gordo  were 
taken,  and  the  colors  of  the  Fifth  and  Third 
infantry  had  taken  the  place  of  the  tri-color 
of  Mexico.  A  few  minutes  and  the  Mexican 


88  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

army  was  in  full  flight,  scattered  in  all  direc 
tions.  We  gained  the  deserted  camp  of  the 
Mexicans.  Here  were  sights  too  horrible  to 
behold.  The  shattered  limbs  of  men  and 
beasts,  the  wounded  and  dead  hang  together, 
horses  and  mules  dead  in  the  road,  some  run 
ning  or  rather  limping  away  in  all  directions, 
as  if  fearful  that  the  eneni)^  of  their  masters 
was  also  theirs.  We  filed  out  into  the  road, 
and  waiting  a  few  minutes  for  a  couple  of 
pieces  of  artillery,  we  commenced  the  pursuit 
of  the  flying  Mexicans,  who  fled  with  the 
greatest  precipitancy  before  us.  By  this  de 
tour  to  the  right  our  brigade  gained  the 
advance  of  our  army.  We  pursued  the 
enemy  at  a  rapid  pace  for  fourteen  miles. 
Breaking  upon  the  plains  of  Encero,  we 
halted  to  await  the  coming  up  of  the  dra 
goons.  Gen.  Patterson,  joining  us  with  the 
dragoons  (he  was  previously  sick,  and  we 
were  consequently  placed  under  the  com 
mand  of  Gen.  Twiggs  and  in  his  division), 
ordered  a  general  halt  and  encampment  for 
the  night.  We  encamped  upon  the  plain, 
and  Gen.  Patterson  occupied  Santa  Anna's 
hacienda  of  Encero,  the  third  one  of  these 
establishments  that  we  had  met  from  Vera 
Cruz. 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  89 

"  The  troops  were  allowed  to  shoot  beef  for 
the  supply  of  the  several  camps.  I  suppose 
nearly  a  hundred  head  of  cattle  were  shot  to 
feed  this  army  of  invasion.  They  belonged, 
so  I  understand,  to  Santa  Anna,  but  for  which 
was  paid,  after  the  arrival  of  the  army  at 
Jalapa,  the  round  sum  of  four  thousand 
dollars,  the  money  being  handed  over  to  a 
nephew  of  Santa  Anna  himself. 

"The  next  day,  the  nineteenth,  we  entered 
the  city  of  Jalapa.  It  stands  partially  upon 
a  side  hill,  and  presents  a  beautiful  appear 
ance  when  viewed  from  a  short  distance.  It 
is  a  fine  town,  the  climate  being  healthy  and 
the  temperature  moderate.  All  the  vegeta 
ble  products  of  the  tropics,  as  well  as "  those 
of  the  northern  climes,  are  here  in  abund 
ance.  Jalapa  derives  its  name  from  jalap,  a 
vegetable  growing  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 
The  troops,  with  the  exception  of  the  volun 
teers,  occupied  very  comfortable  quarters  in 
the  city.  I  will  take  this  opportunity  of  giv 
ing  publicity,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  the 
gross,  negligent  injustice  done  the  volunteers 
by  those  having  authority  to  ameliorate 
some  of  the  sufferings  of  those  brave,  spirited 
patriots,  who  left  their  homes,  family,  busi 
ness,  all  they  held  dear,  to  obey  the  call  of 


n 


QO  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

their  country  and  sustain  her  honor  and 
glory.  These  gallant  corps  have  been  looked 
upon  with  a  disparaging  eye  and  spoken  of 
with  a  slandering  tongue.  I  will  readily 
admit  that  there  are  individual  cases  of  out 
rageous  depravity,  but  they  are  not  confined 
solely  to  the  volunteers,  who  are  not  kept 
under  strict  discipline.  It  cannot,  therefore, 
be  reasonably  expected  that  the  volunteers 
would  be  superior  to  the  regulars  in  good 
order  and  honesty. 

"The  volunteers  were  ordered  to  encamp 
about  three  miles  from  the  city,  with  only 
three  tents  to  a  company,  instead  of  the  til- 
teen  allowed  for  their  accommodation.  The 
poor  volunteers  had  to  build  for  themselves 
little  brush  houses  to  shelter  themselves  from 
the  pitiless  storms  of  daily  occurrence  during 
nearly  three  weeks.  The  suffering  was  terri 
ble.  It  rained  almost  every  night.  None  but 
those  who  experienced  or  witnessed  it  can 
depict  the  woeful  condition  of  those  brave 
fellows. 

"This  is  but  one  of  the  many  instances 
where  the  volunteers  have  been  made  to  take 
the  unequal  share  of  the  privations  and  hard 
ships  of  the  campaign,  while  the  regulars 
have  been  snugly  housed  in  good,  comforta- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  9 1 

ble  buildings.  I  have  known  times  when  the 
officers  in  the  volunteer  service  were  crowded, 
or  rather  jammed  together,  six  or  eight  in  a 
room,  while  the  officers  in  the  regular  army 
were  in  the  full  possession  and  enjoyment 
of  splendid  quarters,  with  an  abundance  of 
room.  Is  it  surprising  that  the  volunteers 
complain  of  this  manifest  partiality? 

"The  scenery  around  and  about  Jalapa  is 
of  a  magnificent  grandeur,  unsurpassed  by 
even  the  romantic  scenery  of  the  noble  Hud 
son.  The  lovely  Orizaba,  —  its  snow-capped 
peak  towering  in  the  clouds  far  above  the 
numerous  hills  and  mountains  surrounding, 
-proudly  stands  a  beacon  of  light  to  the 
traveler  for  miles.  The  country  around  is 
in  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  showing  a 
degree  of  prosperity  not  frequently  met  with 
in  Mexico. 

"  Gen.  Worth  continued  his  march  as  far  as 
Perote;  the  castle  surrendered  to  him  with 
out  firing  a  gun.  This  is  a  splendid  work, 
of  great  strength.  It  is  situated  upon  a 
plain,  and  about  a  mile  from  the  city  of 
Perote.  The  city  lies  just  under  the  mount 
ains;  it  is  not  of  much  importance,  and  has 
but  few  inhabitants,  compared  with  the  other 
cities  of  the  Republic. 


Q2  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"  On  the  seventh  of  May  we  broke  up  our 
camp,  to  continue  our  march  to  the  capital, 
glad  to  change  our  condition  and  leave  the 
rainy  season  and  all  its  attendant  discom 
forts  to  the  few  Mexicans  loitering  about  the 
vicinity. 

"  The  volunteers,  consisting  of  the  New 
York  and  South  Carolina  regiments  and  the 
first  regiment  of  Pennsylvania,  under  the 
command  of  Brigadier  (now  Major)  General 
Quitman,  reached  Perote  on  the  ninth.  Gen. 
Worth,  leaving  the  city  and  castle  the  same 
morning,  left  a  small  detachment  here  to 
await  our  arrival.  We  remained  until  the 
morning  of  the  eleventh,  when,  leaving  the 
Pennsylvanians  to  garrison  the  town  and 
castle,  we  resumed  our  march.  We  encamped 
for  the  night  at  the  hacienda  San  Antonio, 
upon  the  plains.  The  only  thing  worthy  of 
note  at  this  place  is  the  well  which  supplies 
the  hacienda  with  water.  It  is  seven  hund 
red  feet  in  depth,  and  is  well  walled  up,  the 
water  being  raised  by  mules.  It  is  the  great 
est  artificial  curiosity  that  I  have  yet  seen. 

"  Nothing  of  import  happened  until  we 
reached  El  Pirlal,  where  we  received  intelli 
gence  from  Gen.  Worth  that  he  anticipated 
an  engagement  the  next  day.  Early  next 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  93 

morning  we  struck  our  tents  and  resumed 
the  march.  About  twelve  o'clock,  mid-day, 
hearing  the  firing  of  artillery,  we  moved  on 
at  a  rapid  pace.  When  nearing  Amozoc,  a 
small  "pueblo"  about  seven  miles  from  the 
city  of  Peubla,  we  discovered  the  enemy, 
about  six  thousand  strong,  evidently  making 
his  way  toward  us.  We  instantly  formed  our 
line  of  battle  to  receive  him.  He,  seeing  this 
preparation,  changed  his  course,  and  left  us 
on  our  right,  apparently  not  caring  to  make 
the  attack.  This  force  was  under  the  com 
mand  of  the  redoubtable  Santa  Anna,  who 
had  left  Peubla  with  the  ostensible  purpose 
of  attacking  us,  as  I  learn  from  his  dispatches 
to  the  Mexican  War  Minister.  He  returned 
to  Puebla  by  a  roundabout  way.  General 
Worth  determined  to  attack  the  city  the  next 
morning.  He  made  a  disposition  and  left 
Amozoc  during  the  night  with  his  division, 
with  orders  for  General  Quitman  to  follow 
early  the  next  morning.  We  were  under  arms 
at  three  o'clock,  but  receiving  word  from  Gen 
eral  Worth  that  he  was  about  negotiating  for 
the  surrender  of  the  city,  we  did  not  move 
until  about  seven  o'clock,  when  we  proceeded 
to  enter  and  take  possession  of  the  city  and 
fortifications.  Santa  Anna  evacuated,  leaving 


94  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

a  city  of  eighty  thousand  inhabitants,  in  addi 
tion  to  his  army,  to  the  occupancy  of  four 
thousand  American  troops.  We  entered  the 
Grand  Plaza  at  one  o'clock,  where  we  stacked 
arms,  and  the  soldiers,  in  the  coolest  possible 
manner,  lay  down  and  went  to  sleep,  until  the 
quartermasters  had  secured  quarters  for  the 
several  corps.  This  will  hardly  be  believed, 
but  it  is  none  the  less  true.  Fears  of  an  out 
break  were  entertained  by  many  of  the  higher 
officers,  and  every  precaution  was  taken  for 
its  suppression,  if  any  manifestation  should 
show  itself.  Matters  were  in  this  shape  for 
nearly  two  weeks,  prior  to  the  arrival  of  Gen 
eral  Scott.  A  stampede  was  of  nightly  occur 
rence,  but  I  suppose  the  object  was  to  keep  the 
troops  constantly  vigilant,  and  on  the  alert. 
Assassinations  occurred  almost  daily;  when 
ever  a  drunken  soldier  could  be  enticed  to  the 
outskirts  of  the  city,  he  was  treacherously  cut 
down.  While  the  American  army  occupied 
Puebla,  every  effort  was  made  by  our  Govern 
ment  to  consummate  a  peace.  The  Mexican 
authorities,  however,  always  rejected  the  re 
peated  offers  of  the  olive  branch. 

"  Puebla  is  built  upon  a  plain,  having  on  its 
east  a  large  hill,  at  the  summit  of  which  is 
built  a  fort  (Loretta),  also  a  large  church,  like- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  95 

wise  fortified.  This  hill  is  called  Guadaloupe, 
and  the  works  upon  it  command  the  town. 
There  is  a  splendid  promenade,  known  as  the 
Alemada.  At  one  end  of  the  Alemada  is 
erected  a  Temple  of  Liberty.  The  walks  are 
handsomely  laid  out,  having  on  either  side 
splendid  trees ;  between  each  tree  numerous 
rosebushes  and  plants  are  growing,  displaying 
the  taste  of  a  horticulturist,  not  often  surpassed 
in  the  United  States.  The  Alemada  is  en 
closed  by  a  beautiful,  ornamented  fence  made 
of  cement,  a  material  peculiar  to  the  country. 
There  are  also  two  theaters,  a  bull-ring,  and  a 
cock-pit,  for  the  amusement  of  the  citizens. 
The  city  of  Puebla  is  by  far  the  handsomest 
city  that  I  have  seen  in  this  country,  much 
superior  to  the  city  of  Mexico  in  beauty ;  it  is 
laid  out  regularly,  and  kept  in  perfect  cleanli 
ness.  The  inhabitants  are  more  cultured, 
showing  a  refinement  exceeding  that  of  the 
capital. 

"A  short  distance  (about  six  miles)  from 
Puebla  is  situated  the  ancient  city  of  Cholula, 
celebrated  in  Cortez's  time  for  the  great  human 
sacrifices,  made  upon  the  formed  pyramid, 
which  stands  to  the  present  day.  Many 
officers  of  the  army  visited  this  spot  on  several 
occasions.  It  is  indeed  an  interesting  sight. 


96  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"  On  the   loth  of  August,  General  Twiggs' 
division,    forming    the    advance,   took    up    its 
march  for  the  Mexican  capital,  followed  on  the 
succeeding  day  by  General  Quitman's  division 
of  volunteers,   then    Pillow's   and    Worth's  in 
succession.     Our  route  lay  across  the  moun 
tains,  nothing  of  importance  occurring  in  our 
division,   or   the   others   that  I   am  aware  of, 
until  the  twelfth,  when  the  beautiful   valley 
lay  spread  before  us.     The  valley  of   Mexico 
is    justly    celebrated    for    its    panoramic    and 
scenic  beauty  and  loveliness.     We  descended 
the  mountains  and  entered  the  valley,  encamp 
ing  at  the  Hacienda  de  Buena  Vista,  just  at 
the    foot    of   the    mountain,   General    Twiggs 
occupying  a  position  at  Ayotta  from  whence 
he  pushed   forward   his  reconnoissances,  and 
discovered  the  enemy,  very  strongly  fortified 
upon  a  hill   in  advance  of   him,  prepared  to 
oppose   the   passage   of   the   American    army. 
Generals  Worth  and  Pillow  occupied  the  old 
city  of  Chalco,  situated  off  to  the  left  of  the 
main  road,  upon  a  lake  of  that  name.     These 
positions  were  respectively  held  until  the  four 
teenth,   wrhen   General   Scott,   not   wishing   to 
engage  the  enemy  under  such  disadvantages 
(where  he  would,  in  all  probability,  suffer  an 
immense    loss,    which    he    could    ill    afford), 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  97 

changed  his  plans,  and  by  a  detour  off  to  the 
west,  pursuing  an  old,  broken-up  road  under 
the  mountain,  and  along  the  shores  of  the 
lakes,  avoided  an  action  that  would  have  cost 
him  one-fourth  of  his  gallant  army.  On  the 
nineteenth,  General  Worth  found  a  position  in 
front  of  the  enemy's  strong  works  at  San 
Antonio.  General  Pillow,  with  his  division, 
left  San  Augustine  as  General  Quitman  (?) 
entered.  Pillow  advanced  to  meet  the  Mexi 
cans,  who  were  strongly  fortified  at  Contreras, 
under  the  command  of  the  gallant  General 
Valencia.  General  Valencia's  army  was  com 
posed  of  troops  from  the  north,  and  were  said 
to  be  the  best  in  the  Mexican  service.  About 
mid-day,  skirmishing  began,  between  the 
advanced  guard  of  Pillow,  and  the  light  troops 
of  Valencia.  The  rifle  regiments  deployed 
through  the  'chaparral'  and  soon  drove  the 
Mexican  pickets  back  upon  their  works.  Pil 
low  continued  to  push  forward  his  column,  the 
enemy  opening  upon  him  at  long  distance 
with  their  heaviest  caliber.  Finally,  a  portion 
of  our  light  artillery  found  a  position,  a  bad 
one  though,  from  which  they  could  answer  the 
fire  of  Valencia.  The  ground  between  the 
opposing  forces  was  very  rough,  and  much 
broken  up,  being  of  a  rocky,  volcanic  sub- 


98  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

stance,  with  numerous  chasms,  making  it 
impossible  for  horse  and  impracticable  for 
artillery,  except  mountain  howitzers.  A  part 
of  the  infantry  advanced  over  this  '  pedre- 
gal '  and  assaulted  the  enemy's  works  in 
front.  General  Smith,  with  his  brigade,  made 
a  movement  off  to  the  right  to  gain  a  small 
village  (San  Geronimo,  or  en  Senada).  Gen. 
Cadwallader  also  moved  off  to  the  right,  tak 
ing  more  ground  than  Smith.  These  two 
brigades  made  this  movement  for  the  pur 
pose  of  preventing  the  junction  of  Santa 
Anna,  at  the  head  of  a  large  force,  with 
General  Valencia.  The  brave  and  gallant 
Colonel  Riley  had  already  gained  the  hamlet, 
and  received  two  repeated  charges  from  the 
enemy's  cavalry,  which  he  nobly  repulsed 
each  time,  the  second  time  charging  them  in 
turn,  and  driving  them  up  the  hill.  General 
Scott,  who  had  come  up  a  short  time  before, 
in  passing  through  San  Augustine,  saw  the 
desperate  and  doubtful  conflict.  He  ordered 
immediately  Shields'  brigade  of  volunteers 
(consisting  of  the  New  York  and  South  Caro 
lina  regiments)  to  support  General  Pillow's 
division.  These  gallant  fellows  came  up, 
cheering  lustily  all  along  the  road,  elated  at 
the  prospect  of  showing  what  they  could  do. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  99 

Passing  General  Scott,  the  pride  of  the  Ameri 
can  soldier,  who  stood  upon  a  hill  immediately 
in  rear  of  the  American  lines,  the  veteran  took 
off  his  hat  in  acknowledgment  of  a  cheer  from 
the  volunteers,  ordering  them  at  the  same 
time  to  gain  a  position  upon  the  enemy's  left. 

"  There  are  some  who  claim  the  laurels  of 
Contreras,  and  others  who  are  acknowledged 
the  heroes ;  but  to  none  but  General  Winfield 
Scott  belongs  the  honor.  He  was  the  great 
master-spirit  who  guided  and  directed  the 
glorious  victory.  The  writer  was  himself 
upon  the  hill  with  General  Scott,  and  knows, 
to  his  positive  and  certain  knowledge,  of  the 
part  taken  by  him,  though  the  General,  noble- 
spirited  as  he  is,  gives  credit  to  Smith  and 
Riley  for  the  very  excellent  movements  made 
by  them  during  the  night;  but  he,  and  no 
other,  was  the  prompter  of  it  all,  and  further, 
the  writer  is  of  opinion  that  had  not  General 
Scott  arrived  at  that  time  to  assume  com 
mand,  the  American  troops,  for  the  first  time 
in  this  campaign,  would  have  been  obliged  to 
give  way.  General  Pillow  was  in  such  a 
dilemma  that  it  required  an  older  and  more 
experienced  head  to  extricate  him  from  the 
imminence  of  disgraceful  defeat. 

"  Shields  pushed  forward  his  brigade  across 


TOO  .  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

the  '  pedregal '  (fording  the  ravines,  the  men 
up  to  their  waists)  in  the  face  of  a  most  severe 
and  most  destructive  tire  from  the  enemy's 
batteries,  gaining  the  Puebla  de  Encenada 
about  midnight  —  his  men  lying  down  in  the 
mud  about  six  inches  deep.  Just  at  dark  it 
came  on  to  rain,  and  never  was  there  a  harder 
rain.  Cold,  wet,  and  hungry,  they  murmured 
not,  but  in  silence  bore  their  privations  and 
sufferings,  anxiously  awaiting  the  first  break 
of  day  that  was  to  bring  them  face  to  face 
with  the  foe. 

"  About  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  Gen 
eral  Smith  commenced  a  movement  up  the 
ravine,  running  in  the  rear  of  the  hill  of  Con- 
treras.  By  dawn,  Colonel  Riley  had  succeeded 
in  outflanking  the  enemy  and  getting  in  the 
rear  of  him.  He  advanced  down  upon  the  as 
tonished  Mexicans,  like,  as  General  Scott  says, 
'an  avalanche  from  the  mountains.'  The 
enemy,  not  dreaming  of  such  a  possibility,  had 
made  no  preparations  to  protect  his  rear,  and 
before  he  could  recover  from  his  astonishment 
the  veteran  Riley  was  in  his  works,  and  the 
flower  of  the  Mexican  army  put  to  flight,  leav 
ing  their  strong  intrenchments.  Three  hund 
red  and  sixty-five  were  taken  prisoners  by 
Shields'  brigade,  who  were  well-positioned  to 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  IOI 

hold  in  check  Santa  Anna  with  his  reinforce 
ments,  as  well  as  to  battle  to  the  front,  if  the 
occasion  demanded.  Among  the  prisoners, 
taken  by  Shields,  were  several  generals,  colo 
nels,  majors,  captains,  and  any  number  of  sub 
altern  officers.  This  battle  was  fought  almost 
entirely  by  infantry,  artillery  and  cavalry  not 
being  able  to  pass  over  the  '  pedregal.' 

"  From  Contreras,  the  Americans  pursued 
the  retreating  Mexicans,  until  the  latter  had 
gained  a  still  stronger  position  at  Churubusco. 
The  rifle  regiment  was  skirmishing  along  the 
road.  While  our  troops  were  passing  through 
the  villages  of  San  Angel  and  Coyocan,  Gen 
erals  Worth  and  Pillow  were  moving  along 
the  San  Augustine  road,  and  General  Twiggs 
was  upon  the  road  from  Coyocan,  leading  into 
the  city,  forming  a  junction  with  the  San 
Augustine  road,  at  the  bridge  of  Churubusco. 
Owing  to  the  bad  roads,  and  the  short  space  of 
time  available,  little  or  no  information  could 
be  gained  by  the  reconnoitring  of  their  posi 
tion,  nor  could  we  learn  anything  of  the 
importance  of  their  works.  The  rifles  in 
advance  met,  and  drove  in  the  light  troops  of 
the  enemy,  and  soon  the  roar  of  the  artillery 
was  heard.  General  Shields  with  his  brigade 
was  halted  at  Coyocan.  Shields  was  ordered 


IO2  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

to  countermarch  his  brigade,  and  gain  the 
rear  of  the  enemy's  left  flank,  at  the  Hacienda 
de  Los  Portales.  The  New  York  and  South 
Carolina  Volunteers,  composing  Shields'  brig 
ade,  breaking  through  the  cornfields  and  over 
ditches,  came  upon  a  level  and  open  field,  in 
the  center  of  which  was  a  building  used  as  a 
barn,  or  grain  storehouse.  As  soon  as  the 
head  of  the  line  of  the  New  Yorkers  (march 
ing  by  a  flank)  appeared  upon  the  plain,  the 
Mexicans  opened  fire  upon  them.  They,  how 
ever,  gained  the  rear  of  the  buildings,  and 
commenced  the  formation  of  their  line  of 
battle,  throwing  their  left  off  obliquely,  in 
order  to  protect  their  men  as  much  as  possible. 
Before  the  line  was  completely  formed,  the 
order  to  charge  was  given.  They  charged, 
and  were  compelled  to  retire  tinder  cover  of 
the  building  where  they  partially  reformed, 
charging  again.  They  were  for  the  second 
time  repulsed ;  the  third  charge,  however, 
proved  successful.  Previous  to  the  last  charge, 
the  Mexicans  made  a  movement  to  flank 
Shields'  command,  which  happily  was  pre 
vented  by  the  gallant  ninth,  making  a  counter 
acting  one.  About  this  time  the  tete-de-pont 
or  bridge-head  was  taken.  Shields  gained  the 
road  and  pursued  the  flying  enemy  until 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  103 

halted  by  Major-General  Pillow.  The  convent 
of  Churubusco,  strongly  and  extensively  forti 
fied,  was  taken.  This  undoubtedly  had  great 
effect  upon  the  operations  at  the  bridge-head. 
"  A  stream  of  considerable  size,  called  Rio 
de  Churubusco,  runs  through  the  hamlet,  which 
made  it  difficult  to  pass  without  first  gaining 
possession  of  the  works  at  the  bridge.  After 
the  capture  of  the  church,  and  the  fall  of  the 
tete-de-pont,  followed  by  the  final  rout  by 
Shields,  Captain  Kearney,  with  his  dragoons, 
drove  the  enemy  into  their  works  at  the 
bridge  immediately  before  the  city,  himself 
and  several  of  his  command  being  wounded 
while  so  doing.  The  troops,  at  the  very 
moment  when  the  capital  of  Mexico  was  at 
their  mercy,  were  halted,  and  an  armistice  was 
proposed  in  order  to  give  the  Mexicans  a  last 
opportunity  to  accept  the  liberal  terms  of 
peace,  and  thereby  save  themselves  the  dis 
grace  of  another  defeat,  and  the  reduction  of 
the  capital  of  their  country.  The  American 
troops  were  withdrawn  to  occupy  the  positions 
of  Tacubya,  Muscoac,  San  Angel,  and  San 
Augustine.  During  the  continuance  of  the 
negotiations,  the  commissioners  met  at  Tacu 
bya.  But  after  several  days'  sessions,  General 
Scott  being  informed  that  Santa  Anna  was 


IO4  DANIEL    E.    MUNGERFORD. 

treacherously  progressing  the  defenses  of  the 
city,  in  violation  of  the  terms  of  the  military 
convention,  entered  into  and  agreed  upon  by 
the  two  contending  powers,  he  thought  proper 
to  give  the  requisite  notice  of  the  suspension 
of  the  armistice.  On  the  sixth  of  September, 
he  again  assumed  the  offensive,  and  prepared 
for  the  speedy  reduction  of  the  city.  On  the 
morning  of  the  eighth,  General  Worth  was 
ordered  to  attack  the  eneni}^  in  his  new  posi 
tion,  at  Molino  del  Rey.  General  Scott  at  the 
same  time  ordered  up  the  divisions  from  San 
Augustine,  San  Angel,  and  Muscoac,  and 
made  preparations  for  investing  the  city. 

"The  battle  of  Molino  Del  Rey  was  a 
severety  contested  engagement,  but  after  a 
combat  of  about  two  hours,  the  Mexican 
troops  were  compelled  to  give  way  before  the 
invincible  sons  of  Washington,  though  not 
without  a  severe  loss  having  been  sustained 
by  each  side.  The  occupation  of  Molino  Del 
Rey  proved  to  be  of  no  importance  whatever. 
On  the  eleventh,  the  several  divisions  received 
orders  to  take  their  positions :  General  Pillow 
near  Molino,  General  Worth  further  across 
and  on  the  road  running  to  the  north  side  of 
the  hill  of  Chapultepec,  General  Quitman's 
division  on  the  Tacubya  road.  Batteries  were 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  105 

established  there  by  Captain  Hungerford,  with 
two  companies  under  direction  of  Lieutenant 
Smith  of  the  engineers.  Batteries  were  also 
established  near  Molino  del  Rey,  under  direc 
tion  of  Captain  Hague,  of  the  Ordnance, 
assisted  by  others.  Early  upon  the  morning 
of  the  twelfth,  we  commenced  to  cannonade 
the  castle.  The  fire  was  returned  with  alacrity 
'and  spirit.  The  cannonading  continued 
throughout  the  day,  dismounting  many  of  the 
enemy's  guns,  and  making  several  breaches  in 
the  walls.  Captain  Hungerford  asked  per 
mission  of  Generals  Shields  and  Quitman, 
to  retain  command  of  his  two  companies, 
detached  from  the  regiment,  in  order  that  the 
men  might  obtain  some  rest  from  their  all- 
night  labors.  This  was  readily  granted, 
accompanied  with  kind  words  for  such 
thoughtful  treatment  of  his  men.  However, 
always  alert,  he  posted  himself  upon  the  flat 
roof  of  one  of  the  buildings  upon  the  edge  of 
the  town,  from  which  point  he  could  overlook 
the  whole  scene.  Glass  in  hand,  he  watched 
the  effect  of  every  shot.  Near  the  close  of  the 
day,  he  said  to  the  officer  next  in  command, 
"As  sure  as  the  sun  rises  to-morrow  morning, 
we  will  be  called  upon  to  assault  that  hill,  and 
I  want  you  to  be  ready,"  Early  on  the  morn- 


14 


IO6  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

ing  of  the  thirteenth,  the  captain  placed  his 
two  companies  on  the  right,  and  across  the 
road  near  the  batteries,  in  order  to  be  ready 
and  in  the  front,  when  the  order  to  advance 
should  be  given.  He  had  not  long  to  wait,  for 
soon  the  movement  began.  Sweeping  past  the 
South  Carolinians,  the  New  York  Regiment 
rushed  forward  to  the  assault.  Just  after 
leaving  the  road,  and  in  crossing  a  field  of 
well-grown  barley,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Baxter 
fell,  mortally  wounded,  and,  the  Major  having 
been  struck  at  about  the  same  time,  the 
Captain  immediately  sprang  forward  to  the 
head  of  the  line,  assumed  the  command,  and 
directed  the  movements  of  the  regiment. 

The  intersecting  space,  i.  e.,  between  the 
road  and  the  high  wall  surrounding  the  base 
of  the  hill,  was  obstructed  by  three  deep 
ditches  filled  with  water.  Over  this  space 
he  led  his  regiment.  Reaching  the  wall,  he 
directed  the  adjutant  to  break  off  ten  men 
and  see  if  there  was  not  an  opening,  which 
he  thought  he  had  discovered  the  day  before 
while  watching  from  the  house-top.  Having 
rectified  the  regimental  line,  and  the  adjutant 
reporting  the  opening,  he  flanked  the  regi 
ment,  and,  filing  along  the  wall,  entered 
the  enclosure,  While  this  was  going  on,  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  IO7 

gallant  band  of  South  Carolinians,  known  as 
the  Palmetto  Regiment,  were  enlarging  the 
breaches  in  the  wall  in  order  to  afford  them 
selves  an  opening.  For  the  time  and  position 
thus  gained,  he  was  able  to  ascend  the  slope 
on  the  side  opposite  the  city,  and,  reaching 
the  brow  of  the  hill,  he  halted  for  the  dis 
charge  of  two  sixty-two  pounders  upon  the 
rampart  at  the  crest.  Here  it  was  that  the 
gallant  Dardonville  planted  the  Excelsior  flag 
of  the  Empire  State.  At  this  moment  Major 
Burnham  (having  recovered  from  the  shock 
he  had  sustained  by  his  having  been  struck 
by  the  spent  ball)  came  up  and  resumed  the 
command.  While  we  enter  pell-mell  over  the 
wall  and  capture  the  West  Point  of  the  Aztec 
empire,  the  Mexicans  retire  before  our  bayo 
nets,  some  precipitating  themselves  down  the 
perpendicular  side  of  the  hill  facing  the  city. 
In  this  moment  of  victory,  Captain  Hunger- 
ford  himself  gave  the  order  to  Color-Sergeant 
Riley:  —  "Haul  down  the  Mexican  flag,  and 
run  up  ours,  Sergeant."  There  was,  however, 
difficulty  in  rinding  the  passage  or  stairway 
leading  to  the  flat  roof  of  the  building.  The 
Sergeant,  becoming  impatient,  ran  the  colors 
through  a  window  in  the  second  story  and 
waved  them  in  triumph;  after  which,  finally 


IO8  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

finding  the  passage,  the  two  colors  of  the  New 
York  and  Voltigeur  regiments  met  at  the 
flagstaff.  The  one  first  raised  is  disputed,  but 
when  both  were  equally  deserving,  'tis  but 
little  matter  which  was  actually  the  first  to 
be  raised,  and  the  honor  can  well  be  divided. 
The  captain  took  prisoner  Don  Juan  Carno, 
the  engineer-in-chief,  who  had  superintended 
the  construction  of  all  the  defenses  in  and 
about  the  valley.  These  works  were  of  such 
construction,  and  the  positions  for  them  so 
well  chosen,  as  to  excite  the  admiration  and 
commendation  of  our  general-in-chief,  who 
said  he  had  not  seen  better  in  Europe. 

"About  half  an  hour  after  the  capture  of 
the  castle,  General  Scott  rode  into  the  open 
space  in  front,  and  seeing  the  young  captain, 
who  had  already  disposed  of  his  prisoners, 
he  called  him  to  him,  and  complimented  him 
before  all  the  staff.  The  regiments  shortly 
took  up  their  march  upon  the  city,  the 
prisoners  and  wounded  being  quartered  in 
rooms  and  properly  cared  for. 

"While  this  was  being  done,  Worth,  upon 
the  San  Cosmo  causeway,  was  moving  for 
ward,  overcoming  all  obstacles  and  opposition. 
The  ground  and  surroundings  were  such  that 
the  cavalry  could  not  operate,  much  to  their 


DANIEL   E.    HUNGERFORI).  109 

discontent,  but  they  watched  every  move,  and 
gloried  in  our  success.  Quitman,  with  his 
volunteers  and  the  mounted  rifles,  dismounted, 
followed  along  the  De  Belen  causeway,  dodg 
ing  from  arch  to  arch,  in  steady  advance. 
About  midway,  between  the  hill  of  Chapul- 
tepec  and  the  Garita,  a  strong  battery  was 
encountered,  flanked  by  similar  ones  off  the 
road,  which  were  soon  captured,  the  cannon 
eers  fleeing,  and  our  own  men  following  and 
entering  the  other  and  more  formidable  bat 
teries  and  lines  of  breastworks  at  the  gates, 
at  the  same  time  giving  freely  the  point  of 
the  ba}ronet,  driving  the  enemy,  capturing 
their  artiller3r,  and  gaining  the  gate  of  the 
city  about  one  o'clock  P.  M. 

The  guns  captured  were  turned  upon  the 
enemy,  following  them  till  a  concentrated  fire 
from  three  sources  was  brought  to  bear  upon 
them,  sweeping  away  every  man,  and  killing 
Captain  Drum  and  Lieutenant  Benjamin. 

.  Captain  Hungerford,  with  his  two  com 
panies,  was  ordered  by  General  Quitman  to 
skirmish  inside  of  the  gates  and  recover  the 
guns  left  between  the  two  forces.  On  the 
right  was  a  long  line  of  works,  with  sev 
eral  redoubts,  extending  to  the  gate  of  San 
Antonio.  To  the  front,  on  the  left  of  the 


HO  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

causeway,  was  situated  a  strong  fort,  called 
the  Citadel,  and  directly  to  the  left  of  the  gate 
was  a  battery  on  the  Paseo.  In  passing  to 
the  front  through  the  gateway,  and  while 
crossing  a  small  bridge,  he  sustained  a  fire 
from  these  several  directions,  and,  remarka 
ble  fact,  not  a  man  was  injured,  though  the 
clothing  and  canteens  of  many  were  struck. 
Before  the  enemy  could  reload,  the  captain 
had  gained  the  arches  of  the  aqueduct,  run 
ning  in  the  center  of  the  causeway,  advanc 
ing  from  arch  to  arch,  driving  the  Mexicans 
before  him,  till  he  had  regained  the  guns  then 
on  neutral  ground,  between  the  contending 
forces ;  this  accomplished,  he  returned  to  the 
battery  at  the  Garita,  and  reported.  While 
upon  the  platform  of  the  captured  batter)', 
and  looking  towards  the  city,  a  small  party  of 
the  enemy,  occupying  the  roadway  near  the 
citadel,  were  engaged  in  manoeuvring  a  four- 
pound  cannon,  and  firing  it.  A  ball  from  this 
cannon  struck  a  few  yards  in  advance  of  the 
captain,  ricochetted,  and,  striking  the  apron  of 
the  battery,  rebounded,  hitting  the  captain 
between  the  shoulders. 

"  Had  it  struck  him  on  its  forward  march, 
the  subsequent  proceedings  would  have  in 
terested  him  no  more,  and  he  would  have  come 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  Ill 

to  a  full  stop,  then  and  there.  As  it  was,  how 
ever,  it  did  not  place  him  even  hors  de  combat, 
for  he  returned  to  his  skirmishers,  till  recalled 
about  half  an  hour  after.  Again,  while  oc 
cupying  one  of  the  arches  of  the  aqueduct,  two 
of  his  men  fell,  shot  by  the  enemy's  guns 
while  their  breasts  were  touching  his  shoulder 
blade ;  the  same  shock  that  struck  them  also 
killed  a  South  Carolinian.  It  came  from  the 
mischievous  little  four-pounder,  that  had  pre 
viously  saluted  the  captain.  How  it  got  into 
the  arch  was  discovered  sometime  after  the 
taking  of  the  city.  The  ball  had  struck  one  of 
the  pillars  of  the  gate,  and  glancing,  it  had 
been  turned  in  the  new  direction  with  the  fatal 
results  already  noted. 

"  Late  in  the  afternoon,  Worth  had  gained 
the  San  Cosmo  Garita.  During  the  night 
Santa  Anna  withdrew  his  troops  from  the  city, 
and  the  civic  authorities  then  surrendered  it 
to  General  Quitman.  This  was  in  the  early 
morning.  Immediately  after  the  surrender, 
we  marched  in,  and  occupied  the  Grand  Plaza. 
At  last  all  was  over.  The  halls  of  the  Monte- 
zumas  were  won,  and  the  "  Stars  and  Stripes," 
floating  from  the  National  Palace,  was  saluted 
by  the  thundering  roars  of  our  artillery,  amid  the 
cheers  and  wild  huzzas  of  the  victorious  army. 


112  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"  This  ended  the  fighting  part  of  the  war. 
Some  small  affairs  took  place  on  the  outside, 
but  the  object  had  been  gained :  and  now  to 
consummate  a  peace.  Our  troops  occupied 
various  positions  in  and  about  the  valley,  but 
within  supporting  distance  of  each  other. 
Soon  reinforcements  arrived,  which  insured  our 
safety,  and  our  communications  with  '  Hail, 
Columbia '  were  again  open.  Now  we  would 
be  able  to  receive  news  from  our  friends.  We 
were  for  eight  months  cantoned  in  or  near 
the  city,  having  nothing  to  do  but  the  ordi 
nary  duties  of  camp  or  garrison  life,  during 
which  time  the  captain  was  for  about  two 
months  in  command  of  the  regiment,  the 
colonel  and  major  being  in  New  York 
wounded,  and  the  lieutenant-colonel  engaged 
in  serving  upon  a  High  Court  of  Commission. 

"  Now  you  have  a  history  of  our  doings 
since  my  last  letter.  You  will  notice  that  I 
have  carefully  avoided  the  use  of  the  mono 
syllable  '//  though  perhaps  not  more  modest 
than  the  ordinary  run  of  men.  The  use  of 
that  particular  word  is  not  very  agreeable  to 
me,  hence  its  exclusion  here.  I  have  always 
preferred  to  let  my  actions  and  the  official  re 
cords  speak  for  me. 

"  Hoping  you  will  be  able  to  gather  the  in- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  113 

tent  of  my  descriptions,  and  wishing  you  the 
best  of  health  and  prosperity. 
"  I  remain, 

"  Your  affectionate  brother, 

"D.  E.  HUNGERFORD." 

The  following  letters  were  written  on 
paper  bearing  the  seal  and  stamp  of  the  city 
of  Mexico,  captured  by  the  United  States 
forces,  and  distributed  among  officers  and 
men  as  the  legitimate  spoils  of  victory.  One 
can  well  imagine  with  what  eagerness  this 
paper  was  sought,  telling  on  its  face  of  the 
glorious  triumph  of  their  arms,  and  enabling 
them  to  send  words,  of  cheer  and  comfort  to 
their  far-away  homes.  I  am  not  surprised 
that  Colonel  Hungerford  has  carefully  pre 
served  the  record  of  those  bygone  days,  which 
to  him  and  his  family  are  fraught  with  interest 
that  no  pen  can  do  justice  to.  But  the  reader 
will  easily  perceive,  and  readily  enjoy,  his 
description  of  incident  and  country,  given 
with  genuine  good-nature  and  keen  observa 
tion,  and  often  with  a  depth  of  pathos,  which 
clearly  mark  the  appreciative  man. 

I  give  the  letters  verbatim,  feeling  that  to 
alter  would  be  to  mar  them.  I  may,  however, 
be  excused  for  one  general  remark.  Fear,  he 
15 


I  14  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

appeared  to  have  none,  and,  at  times,  he  seems 
to  have  allowed  the  poetry  of  his  nature,  even 
among  the  horrors  of  war,  to  illustrate  itself 
by  his  vivid  impressions  of  the  beautiful 
scenery  about  him.  A  light  heart  enables  one 
to  cast  his  burdens  off,  and,  in  his  penned  lines, 
his  amiability  and  cheerfulness  of  disposition 
are  often  apparent.  One  cannot  fail  to  remark 
the  keen  judgment  and  the  breadth  of  view 
displayed  by  the  young  volunteer  officer, 
which  made  him  a  true  prophet  of  the  coming 
events.  But  I  will  not  anticipate. 

His  letter  dated  "  National  Palace  and 
Government  House,  City  of  Mexico,  Novem 
ber  tenth,  1847,"  and  written  to  his  brother, 
says  :  "  Being  on  guard,  and  not  being  able  to 
enjoy  that  repose  so  essential  to  the  health 
and  better  feeling  of  the  human  family,  you 
will  pardon  me  when  I  say  that,  for  want 
of  other  employment,  I  while  away  a  few 
moments  of  a  long,  tedious  night  in  scribbling 
a  few  '  flib-flabs '  for  your  entertainment.  The 
opportunities  for  correspondence  are  not  very 
frequent,  and,  when  an  opportunity  does  come, 
I  generally  find  subject  matter  sufficient  for 
two  or  three  letters  to  my  better  half ;  but  at 
the  same  time  I  am  not  unmindful  of  the 
claims  of  correspondence  you  have  upon  me. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  115 

"  Since  my  landing  upon  the  beach  near 
Vera  Cruz,  on  the  tenth  of  March  'last,  I  have 
been  an  actor  and  participant  in  seven  distinct 
and  separate  engagements,  and  have,  thus 
far,  escaped  the  leaden  messenger  of  -death, 
although  at  Churubusco,  Chapultepec,  and 
Garita  de  Belen,  I  was  nearly  sent  into  the 
presence  of  the  Great  Commander-in-Chief  of 
the  universe,  without  orders.  At  the  latter 
place,  on  the  thirteenth  of  September,  I  was 
ordered  to  the  front  in  command  of  two  com 
panies,  to  skirmish  and  drive  back  the  enemy. 
I  was  under  a  fire  of  four  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  about  three  hundred  muskets,  for  one 
hour  and  a  half  to  two  hours,  the  enemy's 
artillery  being  placed  in  position  of  cross-fire. 
While  performing  this  duty,  I  was  struck  in 
the  back  by  a  four-pound  shot.  Don't  laugh, 
though  the  singularity  of  the  shot  made  me 
laugh  at  the  time.  When  it  occurred,  I  was 
facing  and  looking  at  the  gun  that  threw  the 
shot,  which,  falling  about  fifteen  paces  in 
advance  of  me,  glanced  by  me  on  my  right, 
struck  the  work,  rebounded,  and  struck  me 
between  the  shoulder-blades.  Soon  after,  I 
was  ordered  in,  I  took  shelter  in  one  of  the 
arches  of  the  aqueduct.  I  had  not  been  there 
five  minutes,  before  a  round  shot  was  sent  in 


Il6  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

to  the  arch,  killing  two  men,  and  severely 
wounding  three  others.  The  men  who  were 
killed  were  so  near  me  that  their  breasts 
touched  my  back,  as  we  stood  under  the  arch. 
In  another  arch  I  had  two  men  belonging  to 
my  company  instantly  killed  by  one  ball,  a 
four-pounder.  Here  my  first  lieutenant  was 
so  severely  wounded,  that  he  was  disabled  in 
consequence  for  some  months.  You  may 
judge  of  my  whereabouts,  when  I  tell  you  that 
I  lost,  out  of  my  company,  at  Churubusco, 
twenty  men  and  one  officer  killed  and 
wounded,  and  at  Chapultepec,  and  the  Garita 
de  Belen,  two  officers  and  eleven  men  killed 
and  wounded.  I  left  Fort  Hamilton,  New 
York  Harbor,  with  eighty-three  men,  besides 
four  officers.  I  now  number  for  duty  fourteen 
men  and  two  officers.  One  of  the  latter  is  a 
young  officer,  promoted  from  the  ranks  after 
our  entrance  into  this  city.  Those  whose 
bones  bleach  upon  the  plains  of  Mexico  cer 
tainly  deserve  the  appellation  'the  gallant 
and  brave,'  while  those  who  have  already 
gone  back  to  their  homes,  or  soon  will,  carry 
with  them  the  seal  of  having  borne  the  brunt 
of  battle,  some  with  but  an  arm,  others  a  leg, 
while  others,  again,  carry  in  different  parts  of 
their  body  the  leaden  souvenirs  which  will 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  I  I  7 

always  remind  them  of  the  twentieth  of 
August,  and  the  thirtieth  of  September, 
1847. 

"Since  my  tarry  in  this  celebrated  city 
of  the  Aztecs,  I  have  discovered  a  great  living 
curiosity  in  the  person  of  a  Mr.  Samuel 
Jewett,  a  cousin.  Only  think,  three  thousand 
miles  from  home,  and  find  a  cousin.  He  is 
also  from  the  State  of  New  York,  somewhere 
about  Onondaga.  He  is  married  to  a  Mexican 
lady,  and  has  a  large  family ;  this  fact  alone 
(I  mean  the  large  family)  confirms  the 
relationship.  I  frequently  visit  his  house  to 
while  away  an  afternoon,  and  improve  myself 
in  the  '  lingo '  of  the  Mexicans,  indeed,  I  have 
become  so  accustomed  to  speaking  Spanish 
that  I  am  fearful  of  losing  my  mother  tongue 
altogether. 

"  We  are  at  present  doing  nothing  but 
guard  duty,  and  spending  the  time  in  idle 
ness.  We  will  be  so  employed  until  the 
arrival  of  the  expected  reinforcements,  when 
it  is  thought  that  our  division,  General  Worth's, 
will  be  sent  to  Querctaro,  a  distance  of  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from  here. 

"  I  have  not  heard  from  home  in  four 
months;  but,  now  that  communications  are 
established,  I  expect  by  this  train  two  bushels 


Il8  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

and  a  half  of  letters,  and  a  good-sized  cartful 
of  newspapers." 

Again,  on  February  fourteenth,  1848,  he 
writes  to  his  brother,  in  which  he  says,  "  If  I 
do  not  write  a  long  letter  this  time,  you  must 
pardon  me,  for  I  have  had  a  great  deal  of 
official  writing  to  get  off  by  this  mail,  and  I 
am  very  tired. 

"  I  have  no  other  battles  to  recount,  since 
the  last  '  drubbing '  they  got  before  the  gates 
of  their  capital.  Senor  Don  Mexicano  (?)  evi 
dently  does  not  care  about  meeting  us.  By 
the  bye,  they  got  a  "  capital "  flogging  there, 
such  a  one  as  they  will  be  likely  to  remember. 
A  party  of  Texas  rangers  visited  Orizaba,  a 
short  time  since,  in  the  hope  of  capturing 
Santa  Anna,  but  they  succeeded  in  capturing 
his  regimentals  only,  he  himself  escaping  by 
the  aid  of  his  cork  leg ;  this  unnatural  append 
age  has  made  him  as  famous  as  the  man  in 
the  song,  Monsieur  Herr  Von  Damn.  There 
are  various  rumors  of  peace,  none  of  which  can 
be  depended  upon.  A  peace,  at  the  present  un 
settled  state,  cannot  be  consummated,  however 
devoutly  wished  for.  Besides,  it  would  be 
highly  impolitic  for  our  government  to  think  of 
making  a  peace,  until  a  firm  and  responsible 
government  was  established  in  the  country. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  I  1C) 

There  is  no  confidence  to  be  placed  in  the  thing 
that  they  call  a  government :  besides,  the  people 
are  not  united,  being  almost  in  a  state  of  insur 
rection  within  themselves.  They  must  be  made 
to  feel  the  full  weight  of  the  war,  and  let 
them  have  time  for  proper  reflection,  become 
united,  establish  a  permanent  government, 
and  then  a  peace  can  be  made  with  safety. 
At  present,  if  a  peace  arrangement  were  to 
be  entered  into,  we  would  no  sooner  be  out 
of  the  country  than  they  would  commence 
a  border  warfare,  which  would  last  for  years, 
and  involve  us  over  again  in  trouble  and  ex 
pense.  It  would  then  become  necessary  to 
keep  a  large  force  upon  our  frontiers  at  an  im 
mense  cost,  whereas  the  resources  are  now 
drawn  from  the  enemy,  to  make  him  feel  the 
full  burden  of  the  war,  which,  in  the  course  of 
time,  will  bring  him  to  his  senses,  and  make 
him  sue  from  us,  in  turn,  a  peace,  which  he, 
in  his  blindness,  has  refused.  Who  has  ever 
before  heard  of  a  conquering  people,  suing 
and  begging  a  peace  ?  The  thing  is  unparal 
leled  in  the  historical  records  of  the  world. 
The  lenity  shown  these  Mexicans  by  the 
American  Government  is  an  example  for  Euro 
pean  monarchies  to  follow.  The  liberal  gener 
osity  extended  to  them  has  been  mistaken  as  a 


I2O  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

weakness  in  our  resources.  Why  was  not  the 
blow,  so  effectually  struck  at  Vera  Cruz,  fol 
lowed  up  ?  We  there  extended  to  them  the 
olive  branch  of  peace,  which  they,  in  their  mad 
insanity,  declined !  Again,  at  Cerro  Gordo, 
the  peace-offering  was  made,  only  to  be 
haughtily  spurned.  At  Churubusco,  also, 
while  our  arms  were  shining  forth  in  the 
brilliancy  of  a  victorious  sun,  our  small  but 
sturdy  column  was  withdrawn  from  the  very 
gates  of  their  capital,  to  allow  them  to  accept 
the  hand  of  peace.  When  the  beautiful  city  of 
Mexico  was  at  our  mercy,  which  we  might 
have  entered  without  opposition,  as  they  them 
selves  acknowledged,  but,  hoping  that  their  na 
tional  pride  would  come  to  the  assistance  of 
their  understanding,  and  prompt  them  to  save 
their  nationality  ere  their  capital  fell,  here 
again  the  demon  of  self-destruction  swayed  his 
power.  The  termination  you  know.  Our 
troops  took  possession  of  their  capital,  their 
armies  scattered  to  the  four  winds  of  heaven, 
their  government  broken,  which  they  ineffectu 
ally  tried  to  patch  up  at  Querctaro.  What  re 
mains  to  be  done?  Nothing  but  what  I  pro 
posed  in  the  above.  To  think  of  making  a 
peace  with  this  remnant  of  a  government 
would  be  the  maddest  folly  ;  the  one  proposing 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  121 

such  a  thing  should  be  put  in  a  lunatic  asylum, 
out  of  harm's  way. 

"  I  am  in  very  good  health.  This  is  a  de 
lightful  climate,  a  continual  spring.  At  present, 
the  fruit  trees  are  in  full  blossom,  green  vege 
tables  in  plenty  the  year  round.  The  valley 
may  well  be  called  the  paradise  of  the  earth. 
On  either  side  are  steep  and  lofty  mountains, 
forming  a  scene  far  surpassing  the  fanciful 
imagination  of  the  artist,  the  basin  of  the 
valley,  with  its  greensward,  strongly  contrast 
ing  with  the  snow-capped  pinnacle  of  Popo- 
catapetl.  Here  nature's  loveliness  has  her 
empire,  and  reigns  in  majestic  grandeur.  I 
must  stop,  however,  in  the  midst  of  such  glow 
ing  beauty,  for  fear  that  I  may  turn  your 
ideas  from  the  wilds  of  Wisconsin  to  the 
lovely  and  fruitful  valley  of  Mexico. 

"  Give  my  love  to  my  friends." 

The  following  report  by  the  colonel  of  the 
regiment  will  be  of  interest  as  describing  its 
part  in  the  investment  and  capture  of  the  city 
of  Mexico.  It  will  be  noticed  that  the  gallant 
captain  comes  in  for  his  full  share  of  the 
honors  won  on  the  field  of  battle.  The 
similarity  of  the  official  report  and  the  cap- 

16 


122  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

tain's    own    narrative,    written    hurriedly,    is 
worthy  of  mention. 

"  To  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  SHIELDS  : 

"  Official  report  of  the  part  performed  by 
the  first  regiment  United  States  Volunteers 
of  New  York,  in  the  investment  and  capture 
of  the  City  of  Mexico. 

"The  Volunteer  Brigade,  commanded  by 
Brigadier-General  Shields,  to  which  my  com 
mand  belongs,  left  the  city  of  Puebla  on  the 
eighth,  and  encamped  at  Buena  Vista  on  the 
sixteenth,  in  full  view  of  the  country  sur 
rounding  the  city  of  Mexico,  and  arrived  at 
San  Augustin,  in  position  for  investment,  on 
the  nineteenth  day  of  August,  1847.  Generals 
Pillow  and  Twiggs  with  the  Third,  and  Worth's 
division  of  regulars,  left  San  Augustin  on  the 
morning  of  the  nineteenth,  and,  at  three 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  New  York  and  South  Caro 
lina  regiments  were  ordered  to  their  support, 
under  Brigadier-General  Shields.  The  regi 
ment  marched  immediately,  leaving  Major 
Burnham  with  a  force  of  about  one  hundred 
men,  consisting  of  company  C,  under  com 
mand  of  Captain  Barclay,  Lieutenants  Sher 
wood  and  Boyle,  one  detachment  of  thirty-five 
men  of  different  companies,  and  twelve  sick. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  123 

The  regiment  pursued  its  way  across  the 
'  Pedregal/  a  series  of  ledges  of  rocks  and 
chasms,  with  great  difficulty,  and  at  the  deep 
ravine,  through  which  a  torrent  falls,  some 
eight  or  ten  lost  their  way,  and  returned  to 
San  Augustin.  At  midnight,  we  reached  the 
village  of  San  Geronimo,  in  a  drenching  rain. 
Every  tent  was  occupied,  and  our  troops,  wet 
and  weary,  were  obliged  to  stand  under  arms 
in  the  road  until  daylight,  when  the  enemy's 
works  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  village 
were  to  be  stormed  by  the  second  division  of 
regulars.  We  then  repaired  to  the  church 
and  other  shelters  in  the  neighborhood,  by 
order  of  General  Shields,  to  prepare  our  arms 
for  action.  As  the  sun  arose,  the  cheers  of 
the  storming  party  were  heard,  and  our  men 
assembled  to  meet  the  legions  of  the  enemy, 
who  were  retreating  upon  the  fortifications, 
near  the  city  of  Mexico.  We  captured  three 
hundred  and  thirty-six  prisoners,  and  among 
them  were  one  general,  two  colonels,  and 
many  subaltern  officers,  with  at  least  two 
hundred  stands  of  arms,  lances,  horses,  etc. 

"  The  regiment  was  then  ordered  to  return 
to  its  former  position  at  the  church,  from 
which  small  commands  were  sent  to  overtake 
straggling  parties  of  the  enemy,  in  which 


124  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

they  were  particularly  successful,  under  the 
direction  of  Captain  J.  P.  Taylor,  and  his  first 
lieutenant,  A.  W.  Taylor.  At  about  nine 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  we  received  orders  to  advance 
upon  the  city  of  Mexico,  leaving  company  D, 
and  about  fifty  men  of  other  companies  that 
had  not  yet  returned  from  scouting,  in  charge 
of  the  prisoners.  We  marched  from  the 
village  of  San  Geronimo,  with  about  three 
hundred  officers  and  men.  After  passing 
through  San  Angel,  and  halting  for  a  short 
time,  the  second  division  of  regulars  engaged 
the  enemy  in  front  of  Churubusco.  We  were 
soon  ordered  to  countermarch,  and  directed, 
with  other  troops,  to  the  right  of  the  enemy, 
and  reach  the  rear  of  his  formidable  position. 
The  New  York  regiment  was  now  upon  the 
right  of  the  brigade.  We  followed  the  road 
way  for  about  a  mile,  crossed  a  ditch  into  low, 
wet,  grounds,  pursued  our  way  for  about  a 
mile  and  a  half  more,  through  cornfields  and 
marshes,  and  reached  the  enemy's  right  and 
rear  at  Los  Portales ;  the  whole,  in  consequence 
of  the  character  of  the  ground  in  which  we 
had  passed,  was  very  much  extended,  so  that 
a  few  minutes  were  lost  in  forming  the 
regiment  to  the  front.  During  this  time  it 
was  discovered  that  the  enemy's  works  were 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  125 

flanked  by  an  embankment,  with  a  deep  ditch 
extending  parallel  to  a  roadway  for  more  than 
a  mile  in  the  rear,  and  to  the  hacienda  of  Los 
Portales.  This  formidable  breastwork  and 
hacienda  were  occupied  by  at  least  three 
thousand  infantry,  besides  large  bodies  of 
cavalry.  It  was  not  until  our  line  was  formed 
to  charge  this  work  that  the  enemy  was  dis 
covered  with  large  bodies  of  other  troops 
endeavoring  to  turn  our  left,  but  we  had  now 
reached  a  point  where  we  were  receiving  a 
random  fire  from  the  enemy's  line,  at  a 
distance  of  about  three  hundred  and  fifty 
yards.  The  order  to  charge  was  received  with 
cheers,  and  the  regiment  advanced  to  within 
one  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy's  line,  under 
a  most  terrific  fire,  in  which  I  was  wounded 
in  the  left  leg  by  an  escapette  ball,  compelling 
me  to  turn  over  the  command  to  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Charles  Baxter.  The  regiment  as  yet 
being  entirely  unsupported,  it  was  thought 
advisable  to  retire  until  the  South  Carolina 
regiment  in  our  rear  would  come  up  and  form 
on  our  left,  which  that  regiment  did  in  most 
gallant  style.  General  Shields  then  ordered 
the  two  regiments,  or  parts  of  regiments,  to 
charge  on  the  enemy's  line,  which  they  did 
most  bravely  up  to  the  bayonets  of  the  enemy, 


126  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

breaking  their  line,  crossing  the  ditch,  and 
reaching  the  roadway,  where  we  planted  the 
standard  of  our  state  and  nation.  But  this 
advantage  was  gained  at  a  great  loss.  Out  of 
less  than  three  hundred  officers  and  men  who 
entered  the  field,  one  hundred  and  five 
were  killed  and  wounded.  A  few  were  now 
sent  back  to  see  to  the  dead  and  wounded. 
The  remnant  of  the  two  regiments  was  again 
ordered  to  advance  upon  the  city  of  Mexico. 
In  advancing,  the  enemy  retired  in  pretty 
good  order,  until  we  were  joined  by  a  piece  of 
artillery  captured  from  the  enemy,  and  com 
manded  by  Captain  Ayres  of  the  third  regi 
ment  United  States  artillery,  manned  princi 
pally  by  volunteers.  This  piece  was  fired 
several  times  at  the  columns  of  cavalry,  after 
which  the  enemy  retreated  in  disorder.  We 
were  then  halted,  and  ordered  back  to  Los 
Portales. 

"  In  the  desperate  engagement,  where  al 
most  all  were  heroes,  it  was  difficult  to  name 
those  who  most  distinguished  themselves,  as 
all  who  were  there  may  ever  remember  with 
pride,  that  they  participated  in  one  of  the 
most  daring  charges  ever  made  by  Americans 
against  an  enemy.  These  were  those  in  the 
command  who  were  foremost  and  steadfast  in 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  127 

every  movement,  from  whom  I  take  occasion 
to  mention  : 

"  Lieutenant-Colonel  Charles  H.  Baxter,  who 
had  two  horses  shot  under  him  during  the  en 
gagement  ;  Captains  Garrett,  Dyckman,  Dan 
iel  E.  Hungerford,  Abram  Van  Olinda,  Morton 
Fairchild,  and  Lieutenant  Mayne  Reid  com 
manding  Company  B,  who  particularly  distin 
guished  himself;  Jacob  Griffin,  Jr.,  Company 
H ;  Charles  F.  Brower,  commanding  Company 
F ;  J.  Miller,  commanding  Company  A ;  John 
Rafferty,  Company  K ;  Charles  S.  Cooper, 
Company  A ;  Charles  H.  Innes,  Company  G ; 
James  S.  McCabe,  Company  K  ;  J.  Ward  Henry, 
Company  E ;  James  D.  Potter,  Company  I ;  T. 
W.  Sweeney,  Company  A ;  Sergeant- Major 
James  L.  O'Reiley,  who  fell,  while  gallantly 
advancing  in  front  of  the  colors ;  Color-Sergeant 
Romaine,  with  the  national  colors,  who,  after 
receiving  a  wound  in  the  right  arm,  carried  the 
colors  in  the  left,  and  it  was  not  until  he  re 
ceived  the  third  and  mortal  wound ;  that  the 
colors  .fell.  In  falling,  Corporal  Lake,  of  the 
colors,  seized  it,  and  was  immediately  shot 
dead.  Orderly  Sergeant  Doremus  of  Company 
A  again  saved  it  from  the  ground,  and  carried 
it  throughout  the  engagement.  The  State 
colors  were  gallantly  carried  by  Sergeant 


128  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

Rogers,  Company  I,  during  the  battle.  Or 
derly  Sergeant  Baxter  of  Company  I,  O.  S. 
Fitzgerald  of  Company  E,  and  O.  S.  Wilson  of 
Company  G,  who,  after  being  wounded,  so  that 
he  could  not  use  his  musket,  assisted  Captain 
Ayres  in  directing  the  piece  of  artillery. 

"Adjutant  Robert  A.  Carter  behaved  gal 
lantly  throughout  the  engagement,  and  was 
sent  at  one  time  for  medical  assistance,  and 
during  his  absence  as  well  as  throughout  the 
day.  .  .  . 

"  Captain  J.  F.  Hutton,  U.  S.  Commissary 
and  Lieutenant  George  B.  Hall,  assistant 
quartermaster,  assisted  the  commanding  officer 
and  rendered  efficient  services. 

"  It  is  with  the  highest  pleasure  that  I  recom 
mend  to  your  notice  Assistant  Surgeon  Minof 
B.  Halstead,  acting  surgeon  of  the  regiment. 
His  skill  and  activity  can  be  alluded  to  by 
you  with  higher  encomiums  than  my  own. 
He  was  with  the  wounded  prisoners  in  the 
morning,  and  with  our  wounded  in  the  evening, 
and  night  and  day  ever  since  in  our  hospital, 
and  in  attending  to  the  wounded  of  other 
corps.  He  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  Dr. 
John  G.  McKibben,  acting  assistant  surgeon, 
who  rendered  him  efficient  aid  in  the  perform 
ance  of  his  duties.  To  Dr.  Swift,  U.  S.  Army, 


DANIEL   E.    HUXGERFORD.  129 

I  would  here  return  my  most  sincere  thanks 
for  his  care  and  attention.  It  is  with  the 
deepest  regret  that  I  mention  the  death  of 
Lieutenant  Edgar  Chandler,  who  fell  early  in 
the  action,  while  fearlessly  standing  by  his 
colors.  In  conclusion,  I  will  say  for  my  gal 
lant  regiment  that  it  was  the  third  occasion 
we  served  under  the  same  commander,  and 
with  signal  success. 

"  Signed,  WARD  B.  BURNETT, 

Colonel  Commanding  Regiment." 

The  following  report  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
James  C.  Burnham  gives  the  official  account  of 
the  part  the  regiment  took  in  the  battles  of 
Chapultepec  and  De  Belen.  "  First  up  the 
ditch,  first  up  the  enemy's  works,  and  the  first 
to  place  the  national  flag  upon  the  conquered 
castle  "  tells  the  story  of  the  valor  of  the  First 
Regiment  on  the  heights  of  Chapultepec. 
Captain  Hungerford  is  well  to  the  front,  in  the 
honor  and  glories  of  that  day.  One  more  roll 
of  honor  to  bear  his  name. 


130  DANIEL   E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"  REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  JAMES  C. 

BURNHAM. 

"  HEADQUARTERS  FIRST  REGIMENT  U.  S.  VOLUNTEERS 
OF  NEW  YORK. 

"CiTY  OF  MEXICO,  September  16,  1847. 
"To  CAPTAIN  F.  N.  PAGE,  A.  A.  Adjutant- General, 

"SiR :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  follow 
ing  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  First  Regi 
ment  U.  S.  Volunteers  of  New  York,  in  the 
affairs  of  the  twelfth  and  thirteenth  inst.  In 
the  absence  of  Colonel  Ward  B.  Burnett,  who 
was  still  confined  at  the  Hacienda  Moscoac 
from  a  wound  received  on  the  twentieth 
ultimo  at  Los  Portales,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Charles  Baxter  was  in  command  of  the  regi 
ment.  The  regiment,  after  furnishing  the  dif 
ferent  details  that  had  been  ordered  for  a 
storming  party,  light  battalion  and  batteries, 
was  reduced  to  two  hundred  and  eighty  officers 
and  men.  We  arrived  at  Tacubya  on  the 
morning  of  the  twelfth  inst.,  and  were  posted, 
until  about  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
thirteenth  inst,  on  the  right  of  the  road  from 
Tacubya  to  the  city,  and  near  Captain  Drum's 
battery  to  protect  said  battery.  About  eight  A.  M.  , 
on  the  thirteenth,  as  the  division  riled  past  the 
gate  on  the  Tacubya  road,  Colonel  Baxter  re- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  13! 

ceived  orders  to  advance  and  storm  the  castle. 
After  proceeding  about  half  a  mile,  he  was  or 
dered  by  the  general  to  file  by  the  left  by  a 
ranch,  through  the  cornfield.  Here  we  were  re 
ceived  by  a  shower  of  grape,  canister,  and  mus 
ket  balls,  when  Colonel  Baxter  fell,  severely 
wounded,  leading  the  charge.  I  immediately 
took  command,  and  in  ascending  the  hill,  was 
struck  by  a  spent  ball,  which  disabled  me  for  a 
few  minutes.  Notwithstanding  the  difficult 
nature  of  the  ground,  intersected  -as  it  was  by 
numerous  ditches,  and  swept  by  a  galling  fire 
from  the  enemy,  the  regiment  which  I  have 
the  honor  to  command,  was  the  first  up  the 
ditch,  first  in  the  enemy's  works,  and  the  first 
to  place  the  national  flag  upon  the  conquered 
castle.  General  Bravo,  commanding  the  gar 
rison,  surrendered  himself  a  prisoner  of  war  to 
Charles  B.  Brower,  commanding  Company  F. 
The  Castle,  having  surrendered,  I  was  ordered 
by  the  general  to  proceed  with  my  command 
on  the  Tacubya  road,  and  was  halted  at  the 
aqueduct,  where  the  men  refilled  their  cart 
ridge  boxes.  After  a  short  rest,  we  advanced 
towards  the  Garita  de  Belen,  where  two 
skirmishing  parties,  under  command  of  Cap 
tains  Taylor  and  Hungerford,  were  detailed  by 
order  of  General  Quitman,  and  rendered  essen- 


132  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

tial  services,  in  driving  the  enemy  from  the 
batteries  at  the  Garita.  A  working  party  was 
also  detailed  to  carry  sand-bags,  fill  ditches, 
and  make  a  road  under  direction  of  Lieuten 
ant  Pinto,  Company  D.  Captain  Barclay  was 
then  ordered  to  superintend  the  building  of  a 
breastwork,  and  rendered  me  efficient  aid. 
As  the  second  in  command  throughout  the  day, 
the  Acting  Adjutant,  Lieutenant  Charles  Innes, 
having  been  wounded  about  this  time,  I  ap 
pointed  Lieutenant  McCabe,  of  Company  K,  in 
his  place,  and  assigned  Lieutenant  Francis  G. 
Boyle  in  command  of  Company  K. 

"At  dusk,  a  large  working  party  was  detailed 
from  the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  regi 
ments,  and  placed  under  the  command  of  Cap 
tain  Fairchild,  in  order  to  erect  a  battery  in 
front  of  the  Garita,  as  well  as  to  strengthen  our 
position  in  other  respects.  At  daylight,  the 
following  morning,  we  marched  with  the  rest 
of  the  division  into  the  Capital. 

"  I  feel  that  it  is  due  to  Drs.  Edwards  and  Me 
Shevey,  of  the  Marine  Corps,  for  their  kind  at 
tention  to  our  wounded  during  the  absence  of 
our  surgeon,  Dr.  M.  B.  Halstead,  who  was 
ordered  to  remain  in  charge  of  the  hospital  at 
Muscoac.  Captain  Hutton,  commissary  to  the 
regiment,  was  left  in  command  at  Muscoac,  and 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  133 

was  active  in  forwarding  supplies.  Captain 
Van  Olinda  was  killed,  gallantly  leading  his 
company,  and  Lieutenant  Mayne  Reid  severely 
wounded  at  the  head  of  his  company  at  the 
hill. 

"  In  closing  my  report,  I  must  do  justice  to 
those  gallant  officers,  by  particular  notice, 
whose  assistance  to  me  both  in  the  attack  upon 
Chapultepec,  the  advance  on  the  city,  added 
greatly  to  the  brilliant  results  of  the  day. 
They  were  Captains  Barclay,  Taylor,  Hunger- 
ford,  Fairchild,  and  Pearson  (the  latter  fell, 
severely  wounded  early  in  the  engagement) ; 
Lieuts.  Henry,  whose  gallantry  deserves  es 
pecial  notice,  Miller,  McCabe,  Innes,  Brower, 
Griffin,  Green,  Boyle,  Scannell,  Farnsworth, 
Burning,  and  Doremus.  A  Ust  of  killed, 
wounded,  and  missing  in  the  storming  of  the 
castle  and  the  subsequent  battle  on  the  road  to 
Mexico  is  herewith  annexed. 
"  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

"  Very  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 
" Signed.  "JAMES  C.  BURNHAM, 

"Lieutenant-Colonel  Commanding  U.  S.  Regiment" 

A  sad  duty  for  the  colonel  to  perform  was 
making  known  to  sorrowing  wives,   mothers, 


134  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

and  children  the  list  of  the  dead  and  wounded 
in  his  company.  Some  had  given  all  that  man 
could  give,  life  itself,  in  defense  of  country 
and  flag.  Let  us  hope  for  the  fallen  a  kindly 
greeting  on  the  eternal  shore  from  the  Great 
Comforter,  and  may  they  realize  that  "sweet 
is  the  welcome  to  the  brave,  who  die  thus  for 
their  native  land,"  and  forever  fresh  and  green 
may  their  memory  be  kept  in  the  nation's 
gratitude. 

Messrs.  Editors: 

By  publishing  the  following  list  of  casual 
ties  occurring  in  Company  G,  First  Regiment, 
New  York  Volunteers,  you  will  confer  a  favor 
on  many  that  are  interested,  who  have  not  yet 
heard  from  their  friends  since  they  left  for  the 
seat  of  war. 

Deaths.  —  Corporal  James  Abrecht,  killed 
by  Mexicans,  Puebla,  July  13,  1847.  Privates 
John  Benjamin  died  at  Puebla,  July  9.  Peter 
E.  Butcher  died  at  Puebla,  September.  David 
Belt  died  at  Vera  Cruz,  April  5.  Bernard 
Cranmer,  killed  in  battle,  Churubusco,  August 
20.  Robert  Devoe,  killed  in  battle,  Churubusco, 
August  20.  Joseph  A.  Dennis,  Garita  de  Belen. 
Orrin  Ellwood,  died  at  the  City  of  Mexico  in 
November.  Charles  J.  Hackler  died  at  Puebla, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  135 

September.  Thomas  Ingram  died  at  Moscoac, 
September  n.  Andrew  Kline,  killed  in  battle, 
Churubusco,  August  20.  James  Peck  died  at 
sea,  May.  Charles  C.  Candall  died  at  Puebla, 
October.  Alexander  Rodney  died  of  wound 
received  in  battle,  September  1 7.  John  Shaw, 
killed  in  battle  at  Garita  de  Belen.  Frank 
Smith  died  in  hospital  at  Perote,  date  unknown. 
Thomas  Topham  died  in  hospital,  Puebla, 
August.  Charles  Wheeler  died  at  Lobos  Is 
land,  February  27. 

Wounded  and  otherwise  disabled. —  Captain 
D.  E.  Hungerford,  slightly.  First  Lieutenant 
C.  H.  Innes,  slightly,  also  at  Garita  de  Belen,  se 
verely.  First  Sergeant  John  Wilson,  wounded 
at  Churubusco,  also  at  Chapultepec,  slightly. 
First  Sergeant  D.  Montgomery,  wounded  at 
Chapultepec,  slightly.  Corporal  C.  L.  Thomp 
son,  wounded  at  Garita  de  Belen,  slightly. 
Privates :  N.  Barnes,  wounded  at  Churubusco, 
slightly.  E.  Carr,  wounded  at  Churubusco, 
severely.  C.  Crapp,  wounded  at  Churubusco, 
severely.  B.  De  Young,  wounded  at  Churu 
busco,  slightly.  P.  Farley,  wounded  at  Churu 
busco,  severely,  lost  right  arm.  A.  G.  Fiske, 
twice  wounded  at  Churubusco,  severely.  M. 
Finney,  wounded  at  Churubusco,  severely,  lost 
right  leg.  William  Hart,  wounded  at  Churu- 


136  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

busco  severely,  lost  right  leg.  Thomas  Healey, 
wounded  at  Garita  de  Belen,  slightly.  J.  Mc- 
Kenney,  wounded  at  the  City  of  Mexico,  se 
verely.  J.  McGill,  wounded  at  Churubusco, 
severely.  John  Smith,  wounded  at  Churu 
busco,  slightly.  James  Smith  lost  left  arm. 
A.  Laun,  wound*ed  at  Churubusco,  se 
verely.  Lott  Swift,  wounded  at  Churu 
busco,  slightly.  V.  Van  Slyke,  wounded  at 
Chapultepec,  slightly.  P.  Berry,  wounded  at 
Churubusco,  slightly.  J.  O.  Donnell,  taken 
prisoner  by  the  enemy,  March  10,  1847.  Here- 
gained  the  company  on  September  i6th,  after 
the  entrance  into  the  city.  He  was  beaten  in 
such  a  manner,  while  prisoner,  as  to  be  disabled. 
Yours  respectfully, 

D.  E.   HUNGERFORD, 

Captain  Commanding  Company. 

It  is  always  more  pleasant  to  award  praise 
when  it  is  not  sought.  Captain  Hungerford 
has  been  always  willing  to  let  the  records 
speak  for  him,  and  it  is  fitting  to  quote  here  a 
newspaper  extract  relative  thereto  from  a 
Nevada  journal. 

[Extract  from  Territorial  Enterprise,  Saturday,  December  10,  1864.] 

AN  ANCIENT  DOCUMENT. 

"  A  friend  has  shown  us  a  proof  slip  taken 
in  the  office  of  the  New  York  Military  Argus, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  137 

directly  after  the  Mexican  War.  It  appears 
that  about  the  time  the  First  Regiment,  New 
York  Volunteers,  returned,  some  did  a  large 
amount  of  blowing  about  the  glorious  feats 
performed  by  their  valiant  selves  during  the 
war,  much  to  the  disgust  of  the  really  brave 
men  who  marched  with  their  country's  flag ; 
so  an  official  document,  of  which  the  slip  be 
fore  us  is  a  proof,  was  published,  giving  a  list 
of  officers  of  the  First  Regiment,  who  marched 
with  the  army  under  the  command  of  Major- 
General  Winfield  Scott  upon  the  City  of 
Mexico,  the  seventh,  eighth,  ninth,  and  tenth 
of  August,  1847,  specifying  where  each 
was  employed  upon  the  nineteenth  and  twen 
tieth  of  August,  and  the  eighth,  twelfth,  thir 
teenth,  fourteenth  of  September,  1847.  In  this 
roll  of  honor  we  find  the  names  of  two  persons 
now  in  this  city,  Messrs.  Hungerford  and  Burn 
ing.  According  to  this  official  record,  Captain 
D.  E.  Hungerford  fought  in  the  battles  of 
Contreras,  San  Geromino,  Churubusco,  Cha- 
pultepec,  Garita  de  Belen,  and  the  City  of  Mex 
ico.  Second  Lieutenant  Francis  Burning 
fought  at  the  battle  of  Contreras,  San  Geromino, 
Churubusco,  Chapultepec,  Garita  de  Belen,  and 
the  City  of  Mexico." 

While  negotiations  of  peace  were  going  on, 


18 


130  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

the  gallant  little  army  was  resting  on  its  arms 
in  the  City  of  Mexico.  Never  in  the  history  of 
any  nation  were  successes  so  continuous,  and 
so  marvelous.  Without  the  loss  of  a  gun  or  a 
flag,  they  had  marched  on  their  conquering 
way,  a  distance  of  three  hundred  miles,  from 
Vera  Cruz  to  the  enemy's  capital,  with  no 
base  of  supplies,  like  Caesar  of  old,  burning 
their  bridges  behind  them.  The  enemy  were 
strongly  intrenched,  everything  on  their  side, 
their  forces  far  outnumbering  ours  ;  our  troops 
not  understanding  the  language  of  the  country 
through  which  they  were  passing.  With  our 
advance,  every  step  was  hazardous,  every 
height  of  importance  capped  by  a  strong  cita 
del,  the  hills  between  blown  over  by  hurri 
canes  of  sand,  till,  according  to  the  captain's 
own  description,  the  bivouacs  of  the  soldiers 
resembled  mounds  of  snow.  But  in  the  lexicon 
of  that  army  there  was  no  such  word  as  "  fail." 
The  flag  they  carried  must  find  a  lodgment, 
and  wave  victoriously  over  the  Mexican 
capital,  if  it  took  every  man  of  them  to  do  it, 
and  they  were  to  find  a  grave  beneath  the 
enemy's  sandy  hills.  Did  they  succeed  ?  You, 
I,  America,  the  world  know  the  story.  It  has 
covered  that  little  army  with  imperishable  re 
nown,  and  while  one  veteran  remains,  he 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  139 

should  have  a  claim  on  one  and  all  of  affection 
ate  gratitude. 

In  the  United  States,  enthusiastic  celebra 
tions  were  marking  the  joy  of  the  people  at 
the  triumph  of  the  nation's  heroes,  for  such 
they  had  now  become ;  and  well  may  their 
praises  be  sung,  for  this,  the  third  time  in  the 
history  of  the  world,  the  spectacle  was  pre 
sented  of  a  young  republic  so  strong  in  its  prin 
ciples  and  the  affections  of  its  people,  that,  in 
the  hour  of  its  danger,  it  was  able  to  furnish 
from  every  rank  of  its  citizens,  soldiers  to 
whom  the  finest  legions  of  Napoleon  were  not 
superior. 

In  the  interim,  while  awaiting  the  signing 
of  the  treaty  of  peace,  the  army  could  at  last 
enjoy  a  little  well-earned  repose.  They  re 
lieved  the  monotony  by  various  amusements. 
Though  conquerors  among  the  conquered,  by 
their  magnanimity  of  conduct,  and  the  scrupu 
lous  regard  shown  for  persons  and  property, 
the  population  was  rendered  less  hostile  to 
them  than  they  expected.  Balls  were  given  in 
many  places.  All  the  theaters  were  open,  and 
gambling  games  occupied  most  of  the  hotels 
and  places  of  resort.  Many  excursions  were 
made,  by  both  officers  and  men,  to  the  mines, 
and  other  places  of  interest  in  the  vicinity. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

The  volcano  of  Popocatapetl  and  the  pyramid 
of  Cholula  were  often  visited.  In  this  way  the 
time  was  passed;  but  the  greatest  joy  was  that 
they  were  now  enabled  to  hear  from  the  loved 
ones  at  home  more  frequently. 

In  the  volunteer  divisions  many  swords, 
spurs,  etc.,  were  presented  by  the  different 
companies  to  the  favorite  officers.  They  were 
generally  accepted.  An  attempt  was  made  by 
the  Captain's  company  to  present  him  with  a 
sword ;  but  his  strict  ideas  of  what  con 
stituted  proper  military  discipline  would  not 
permit  him  to  accept  it.  When  he  learned 
that  such  a  thing  was  in  contemplation,  he 
sent  for  his  orderly  sergeant,  and  asked  him 
how  the  company  was  getting  on,  and  what 
was  that  paper  circulating  among  them  ?  The 
sergeant  after  some  hesitation  replied  that 
they  were  raising  a  subscription  to  present 
him  with  a  sword.  The  sergeant  was  surprised 
at  the  answer  the  captain  made  him.  Said  he, 
"  Go  right  back  to  the  company,  and  stop  that 
immediately.  If  I  hear  any  more  about  it,  I 
will  put  the  whole  company  in  the  guard-house. 
They  are  neither  to  approve  nor  disapprove  of 
my  conduct."  The  captain  rightly  thought  that 
it  would  seem  ill  to  command  the  necessary 
discipline  over  his  men,  by  the  force  of  a  gifted 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  141 

sword.  Nothing  more  was  heard  of  the 
sword  after  that;  but  the  men  saw  that 
their  captain  had  illustrated  most  effectively 
that  duty  for  duty's  sake,  and  not  for  the  com 
mendation  of  others,  should  guide  the  true 
soldier,  whether  he  be  found  in  the  ranks,  or 
wearing  the  epaulettes  of  the  officer.  This 
incident  only  increased  the  popularity  of  the 
captain  among  his  men.  Indeed,  they  had 
many  times  to  experience  his  watchfulness  and 
fatherly  care  over  them  ;  they  knew  he  had  no 
likes  or  dislikes  for  them,  except  that  he  loved 
the  good  soldier,  and  hated,  loathed  the  bad 
one.  One  little  fact,  among  many  that  might 
be  cited,  will  show  how  his  thoughtfulness  and 
keen  regard  for  their  interests  endeared  him 
to  them.  The  sum  of  twenty-one  dollars  was 
allowed  each  member  of  the  company  for  his 
equipment  of  clothes,  etc.,  and  it  was  disbursed 
through  the  captain  of  the  company.  It  was  ex 
pected,  or  rather  the  army  contractors  expected, 
that  the  soldiers  would  promptly  expend  all  of 
that  money  in  the  purchase  of  the  necessary 
articles.  But  the  contractors  were  not  going  to 
squeeze  every  cent  out  of  Captain  Hungerford's 
men,  if  the  captain  could  prevent  it,  so  he 
promptly  explained  to  the  men  that  only  the  uni 
form  and  one  or  two  other  things  were  required 


142  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

to  be  standard,  the  remainder  could  come  from 
their  own  store  of  clothes.  The  consequence 
was  that  the  contractors  did  not  get  all  the 
money  from  Captain  Hungerford's  company, 
owing  to  the  vigilance  of  the  captain,  but,  on 
the  other  hand,  when  the  army  had  entered  the 
city  of  Vera  Cruz  the  captain  was  enabled  to 
return  to  every  man  in  his  company  a  part  of 
the  twenty-one  dollars,  accompanied  by  the 
full  statement  of  the  number  and  price  of  each 
article  drawn.  It  was  a  great  surprise  to  them, 
as  they  had  never  expected  to  receive  a  penn}^ 
of  it,  but  their  captain  was  thinking  of  them 
and  guarding  their  interests  more  than  they  had 
anticipated. 

Returning  to  the  incident  of  the  sword,  the 
captain  had  declined  a  similar  presentation 
from  his  friends  before  leaving  New  York,  sa}^- 
ing  he  had  not  yet  won  such  a  distinguished 
honor,  but  that  if  he  lived  to  return,  and  his 
conduct  had  been  such  as  to  merit  their  esteem, 
he  would  be  only  too  proud  to  receive  such  a 
testimonial  from  his  fellow-citizens.  Until 
that  time,  however,  he  could  not  feel  justified 
in  being  the  recipient  of  an  expectant  appro 
bation.  "  As  I  behave,  so  reward  me,"  he  said. 
" '  Well  done,  faithful  servant '  is  sufficient 
reward  for  me,  which  I  doubt  not,  if  deserv- 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  143 

ing,  you  will  award."  To  such  sentiments 
he  has  always  most  strenuousty  adhered, 
keeping  up  the  character  of  an  officer  and 
a  disciplinarian,  while  with  the  warmest  of 
hearts,  looking  to- the  interest  and  well-being 
of  his  men,  at  the  same  time  maintaining  the 
dignity  of  the  commander. 

But  to  return  to  Mexico.  An  election  hav 
ing  been  held,  and  a  new  and  more  responsible 
government  having  been  established,  with 
whom  we  could  with  safety  negotiate,  the 
treaty  of  "  Guadaloupe  Hidalgo  "  was  signed. 
Soon  after  its  ratification  the  various  divisions 
received  their  instructions  from  the  War  De 
partment  for  evacuating  the  country,  which 
was  effected  in  a  most  orderly  and  considerate 
manner,  thus  ending  a  campaign  of  wonderful 
successes,  without  a  single  defeat  or  reverse, 
fighting  against  a  vastly  superior  number,  be 
hind  fortifications  placed  in  most  favorable 
positions  for  defense,  fortifications  pronounced 
by  our  engineer  officers  to  be  equal  to  any  in 
Europe. 

The  Mexican  Engineer-in-chief  had  received 
his  English  education  in  an  educational  estab 
lishment  in  Bond  street,  New  York,  from 
which  he  graduated  with  distinguished  honors. 
The  Faculty  of  the  school,  after  the  war,  gave 


144  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

a  banquet  in  honor  of  Captain  Hungerford,  in 
recognition  of  the  humane  treatment  to  the 
gallant  enemy  whom  he  had  taken  prisoner  at 
Chapultepec.  They  further  testified  their  ap 
preciation  of  his  soldierly  and  manly  conduct, 
by  presenting  him  with  many  letters  of  intro 
duction  and  recommendation  to  numerous 
high  officials  and  distinguished  persons  in 
Cuba  and  Mexico,  should  he  have  occasion  to 
visit  those  countries. 

This  banquet  will  ever  be  a  pleasing  souve 
nir  in  the  captain's  memory. 

The  First  Regiment  of  Volunteers  was  re 
ceived  in  New  York  on  its  return  with  every 
demonstration  of  joy  and  gratitude.  Its  fame 
had  preceded  its  coming.  After  its  brilliant 
record  during  the  war,  and  in  deference  to  the 
united  wish  of  the  people  of  the  city  and  State, 
it  was  deemed  that  a  public  and  appropriate 
reception  under  the  direction  of  the  municipal 
authorities  should  be  tendered  them  on  their 
arrival  in  the  city  as  a  testimonial  of  the  esti 
mation  entertained  by  their  fellow-citizens  of 
the  gallant  bearing  of  the  regiment,  shown  in 
those  most  brilliant  triumphs  of  American  arms, 
which  marked  their  victorious  march  through 
Mexico,  especially  at  the  battle  of  Churubusco 
and  the  storming  of  Chapultepec,  at  both  of 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  145 

which  places  it  displayed  a  courage  and  a 
heroism  which  justly  distinguished  it  as  one 
of  the  bravest  regiments  of  the  whole  army. 
The  common  council  held  several  meetings, 
and  made  the  necessary  arrangements  for  the 
reception.  They  but  expressed  the  feelings  of 
every  one  in  the  unanimous  resolution  passed 
in  which  they  said  that  it  became  a  great  and 
magnanimous  people,  while  rejoicing  in  the 
restoration  and  blessings  of  peace,  to  be  mind 
ful  also  of  those  whose  personal  sacrifices, 
privations,  and  valor  won  a  boon  so  grateful  to 
humanity.  Every  man  comprising  our  small 
army  in  Mexico  was  expected  to  do  his  duty, 
and  it  appears  that  the  individual  conduct, 
fortitude,  and  bravery  of  our  own  volunteers 
fully  sustained  the  expectations  of  their  fellow- 
citizens,  elevating  the  standard  and  military 
standard  of  their  country  at  home  and  abroad, 
deserving  alike  the  gratitude  and  benediction 
of  a  free  people.  T^hey  therefore  thought  that 
the  city  of  New  York  —  not  unmindful  of  the 
merit  and  services  of  those  brave  men  who 
volunteered  to  represent  her  in  the  army  of 
our  common  country  upon  the  soil  of  Mexico 
-should  welcome  their  country,  families,  and 
friends,  with  grateful  acknowledgments  for  the 

faithful  and  brilliant  manner  in  which  they 
19 


146  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

have  fulfilled  their  duties  in  nobly  sustaining 
our  honor  and  flag  on  the  battlefields  of  Mex 
ico,  in  their  moderation  in  victory,  in  their  hu 
manity  to  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  enemy, 
as  well  as  their  irrepressible  energy  and  valor 
in  action. 

The  regiment  having  arrived  at  Fort  Hamil 
ton  from  Vera  Cruz,  the  twenty-seventh  of 
July  was  designated  as  the  day  of  their  recep 
tion.  On  the  morning  of  that  day  the  common 
council,  accompanied  by  many  distinguished 
visitors,  proceeded  in  a  steamboat  to  Fort 
Hamilton,  where  the  regiment  embarked  in 
the  presence  of  a  large  crowd  that  had  assem 
bled  to  witness  their  departure,  and  amid  the 
booming  of  the  artillery  of  the  fort.  As  the 
boat  neared  the  city,  and  swept  past  the  bat 
tery,  it  was  greeted  by  the  discharge  of  cannon, 
and  the  citizen  soldierly  and  a  vast  multitude 
of  the  people  assembled  there  to  welcome  the 
return  of  those  men  after  ,their  participation 
in  some  of  the  most  brilliant  triumphs  of 
American  valor.  It  was,  indeed,  a  grand  wel 
come  to  the  returning  heroes.  Arrived  at 
Castle  Garden,  the  highest  honor  they  could 
receive,  a  national  salute  thundered  forth  its 
greeting ;  and  as  they  marched  ashore,  "Home, 
sweet  Home"  was  played  by  the  band,  while 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  147 

the  immense  gathering  gave  vent  to  their  feel 
ings  in  deafening  and  long-continued  cheer 
ing. 

His  honor,  Mayor  Havemeyer,  then  ad 
dressed  the  regiment,  welcoming  them  back 
with  grateful  heart  and  a  pride  of  their  gal 
lant  deeds  animating  their  fellow-citizens. 
Colonel  Burnett  fittingly  and  modestly  replied, 
after  which  the  regiment  re-formed  and 
marched  through  the  city.  All  the  available 
military  organizations  in  the  State  were  called 
out,  and  many  volunteer  companies  took  part 
in  the  parade.  The  reception  that  the  gallant 
and  patriotic  First  New  York  received,  as  they 
marched  through  the  various  streets,  was  all 
that  the  most  sanguine  heart  of  them  could 
have  desired.  Bunting  was  flying  everywhere, 
and  the  whole  city  seemed  to  be  in  the  streets 
to  do  them  honor.  Thousands  had  come  from 
the  neighboring  towns  to  mingle  their  applause 
and  huzzas  of  welcome  to  returned  heroes. 
The  tattered  flags,  torn  uniforms  of  officers 
and  men,  and  the  many  gaps  in  their  ranks 
told  a  tale  that  touched  the  hearts  of  those 
thousands  of  inhabitants  and  strangers  that 
densely  crowded  the  streets,  filled  the  windows 
and  balconies,  and  lined  the  tops  of  the  houses 
and  public  buildings  along  the  route  of  the 


148  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

procession.  Everywhere  they  were  received 
by  the  heartiest  and  most  enthusiastic  demon 
strations  of  joy  at  their  return,  and  admiration 
of  their  bravery.  When  the  procession  was 
over,  they  marched  back  to  Castle  Garden, 
which  was  filled  to  the  doors  by  the  military, 
eminent  citizens  and  strangers  and  others. 
Here  the  mayor  and  the  several  committees 
were  waiting  to  receive  them.  The  national 
and  regimental  colors  and  two  guide  flags 
were  presented  to  the  mayor,  followed  by  an 
other,  a  flag  given  to  the  regiment  by  General 
Scott  after  the  battle  of  the  City  of  Mexico. 
This  flag  had  been  made  by  the  ladies  of 
Mexico.  Appropriate  and  feeling  speeches 
accompanied  the  presentations.  After  this 
part  of  the  ceremony,  the  medals,  which  were 
voted  by  the  common  council  to  be  bestowed 
on  officers  and  men,  were  presented.  This 
concluded  the  reception.  The  regiment,  re 
forming,  embarked,  and  accompanied  by  many 
distinguished  officers  and  citizens,  landed  at 
the  fort,  where  leave  was  taken  of  them.  Thus 
ended  a  day  never  to  be  forgotten  by  the  gal 
lant  participants,  nor  by  a  single  one  of  those 
thousands  who  assembled  from  all  parts  to 
honor  those  to  whom  the  country  owed  so 
much.  New  York  has  seen  many  days  of 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  149 

public  joy  and  demonstration,  but  never  in  the 
memory  of  those  who  have  survived  that  oc 
casion  has  there  ever  been  an  event  of  such  a 
touching  character,  and  marked  by  such  un 
bounded  enthusiasm  penetrating  every  rank  of 
the  community.  Old  and  young,  rich  and 
poor,  had  that  day  united  in  a  spontaneous 
and  unparalleled  welcome  to  the  country's 
heroes.  Truly  it  can  be  said,  at  least  on  this 
occasion,  that  republics  are  not  ungrateful,  for 
ours,  by  the  enthusiastic  joy  with  which 
its  people  received  its  citizen-soldiers,  was 
neither  ungrateful  to,  nor  unmindful  of, 
those  brave  men  who  had  risked  their  all  for 
their  country,  offering  up  their  lives  on  the 
altar  of  pure  patriotism.  The  twenty-seventh 
of  July  will  forever  remain  a  lustrous  day  in 
the  annals  of  the  great  commonwealth  of  the 
Empire  State. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

Mustering  out  of  the  service  of  the  United  States  — 
Offer  of  Government  position — Discovery  of  gold  in 
California  —  Off  to  the  mines  —  Arrival  at  Vera 
Cruz  —  Pushing  through  the  forest  —  Privations  and 
sufferings  —  A  meeting  in  the  wilderness  —  Reaches 
San  Francisco. 

A  FTER  the  ceremonies  of  reception  and 
the  return  to  the  fort,  the  Captain  com 
menced  his  preparations  for  mustering  out 
of  the  service  of  the  United  States  Govern 
ment.  Through  his  attention  to  details,  and 
fidelity  in  the  care  of  what  was  entrusted 
to  him,  he  was  able  to  make  out  his  muster 
roll  and  final  reports,  accounting  accurately 
for  each  man  and  his  account,,  and  for  all 
property  received  during  a  two  years'  ser 
vice,  in  the  short  space  of  time  of  two  hours 
and  a  half.  Many  captains  whose  arrival 
at  the  fort  preceded  his  by  twelve  days, 
were  retarded  by  from  three  to  fifteen  days, 
owing  to  the  additional  time  required  for 
the  settlement  of  their  account.  This  shows 
how  well  the  Captain  had  profited  by  his 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  15! 

study    of    the    army    regulations,    while    he 
was  stationed   at   the   fort. 

His  final  accounting  with  the  government 
having  been  duly  audited  and  found  correct, 
he  was  enabled  to  receive  his  pay,  and  an 
additional  three  months'  extra  allowance, 
more  than  two  months  before  an)7  other 
officer  in  the  regiment. 

This  speaks  most  favorably  for  his  prompt 
ness  and  accuracy.  In  fact,  it  became  neces 
sary  for  Congress  to  pass  an  amnesty  act, 
exonerating  volunteer  officers  from  further 
liability  and  accountability,  while  doing  service 
in  the  War  with  Mexico.  But  the  Captain, 
as  we  have  seen,  had  no  need  to  take  advan 
tage  of  the  amnesty.  Moneys,  camp  and  gar 
rison  equipage,  ordnance  stores,  in  a  word 
ever}rthing,  even  to  the  last  flint  of  a  musket, 
were  all  rigidly  accounted  for  by  him. 

The  citizens  of  his  ward,  desirous  of 
honoring  him  for  his  gallant  services,  called 
a  meeting,  with  the  object  of  presenting  him 
with  a  suitable  testimonial.  One  of  the  com 
mittee  appointed  by  the  meeting  had  the 
indelicacy  to  call  on  the  Captain,  and  asked 
him  what  he  would  like  to  have.  The  Cap 
tain  replied  that  he  had  merely  done  his  duty 
like  so  many  others,  but  as  they  had  already 


152  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

decided  to  convey  to  him  in  that  manner 
the  expression  of  their  sentiments,  he  could 
not  refuse  to  accept  their  testimonial.  Since 
he  was  asked  as  to  his  choice  of  the  object, 
he  would  take  the  liberty  of  suggesting  a 
sword,  epaulets,  or  pair  of  spurs,  or  any 
thing  that  would  bear  the  appropriate  mili 
tary  signification.  The  committee,  however, 
held  that  a  watch  would  be  of  more  utility, 
seeing  that  the  war  had  ceased.  The  Cap 
tain  naturally  did  not  debate  the  subject 
with  them. 

They  purchased  a  very  valuable  watch, 
had  suitable  inscriptions  engraved  thereon, 
and  made  preparations  for  a  splendid  ban 
quet,  but  on  the  day  before  the  presentation 
was  to  come  off,  the  Captain  took  the  boat  for 
Albany,  and  he  does  not  know  to  this  day 
what  became  of  that  banquet,  at  which  the 
principal  figure  would  have  been  missing. 

If  the  gift  had  been  a  sword,  or  anything 
pertaining  to  the  military  service,  the  Cap 
tain  would  have  been  most  happy  to  receive 
it,  but  having  already  a  costly  watch  to 
remind  him  of  the  passing  moments,  he  felt 
no  necessity  to  have  two.  Though  he  did 
not  choose  to  accept  the  watch,  he,  neverthe 
less,  was  highly  appreciative  of  the  kind 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  153 

wishes  and  sentiments  of  the  citizens  of  his 
ward,  which  prompted  them  to  honor  him 
in  that  way. 

His  business  connection  having  suffered 
during  his  absence  in  the  army,  on  his  re 
turn  many  of  his  friends  interested  them 
selves  to  have  him  appointed  to  a  position 
in  the  Custom  House.  This  was  not  diffi 
cult  to  do,  owing  to  the  gallant  record 
of  the  Captain.  His  name  was  second  on 
the  list,  and  he  was  about  being  named  for  the 
office.  This,  however,  did  not  meet  with  the 
Captain's  approbation,  and  as  soon  as  the  mat 
ter  was  brought  to  his  attention,  he  took  im 
mediate  steps  to  have  his  name  erased,  saying 
that  he  did  not  do  service  in  Mexico  to  obtain 
a  political  office,  and  he  did  not  wish  any  one 
to  have  the  chance  of  accusing  him  of  being 
a  Democrat  for  the  bread  and  butter  he  ate. 
This  incident  only  illustrates  those  that  have 
preceded  it.  His  principles  did  not  allow 
him  to  accept  the  honorable  and  profit 
able  employment  that  was  offered  him,  be 
cause  it  conflicted  with  his  high  standard  of 
honor,  so,  notwithstanding  the  sacrifices  its 
refusal  entailed,  he  would  not  yield  to  the 
entreaties  of  his  friends. 

About  this  time  the  country  was  fired  by 


154  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

the  news  of  the  discovery  of  gold  in  California. 
New  York,  like  other  cities,  was  excited  and 
stirred  up  by  the  marvelous  tales  told  of  the 
new  El  Dorado.  Captain  Hungerford  was 
casting  about  for  some  opportunity  for  the 
development  of  his  energies.  Now  a  field 
presented  itself.  It  appealed  forcibly  to  his 
adventuresome  disposition,  besides  the  hope 
of  securing  the  pecuniary  rewards.  Cali 
fornia  was  three  thousand  miles  away,  at  the 
other  end  of  the  continent,  but  he  did  not 
hesitate  an  instant.  He  quickly  made  the 
necessary  arrangements,  bid  good-bye  to  his 
wife  and  family,  and  like  other  brave-hearted 
and  courageous  men,  he  pushed  out  from 
New  York,  and  set  his  face  toward  the  land 
of  gold.  He  arrived  at  Vera  Cruz  the  mid 
dle  of  February,  1849,  at  twelve  o'clock,  mid 
day.  In  three  hours  the  quick-moving  Captain 
had  left  the  walls  of  the  city  behind  him,  on 
his  way  to  the  Capital,  which  he  finally 
reached  without  molestation.  An  incident 
took  place  on  the  route  which  showed  his 
coolness  and  courage.  He  had  been  informed 
that  ladrones  or  robbers  infested  the  road. 
At  Jalapa,  the  Captain  was  pointed  out  the 
chief  of  the  band,  but,  instead  of  displaying 
any  fear  of  the  famous  bandit,  the  Captain 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  155 

walked  right  up  to  him  and  notified  him 
that  he  was  starting  out  on  the  road  that 
night,  and  if  he  were  going  to  attack  him 
he  would  be  ready  to  meet  him.  The  des 
perado  of  gceat  renown  was  dumbfounded, 
but  made  no  reply,  thinking  probably  that 
he  would  have  too  warm  a  reception  from  that 
particular  party.  So  the  Captain  and  his 
friends,  owing  to  his  daring,  were  allowed 
to  pursue  their  way  in  peace,  being  spared 
the  usual  fate  of  many  others. 

They  remained  three  days  at  the  Capital, 
the  Captain  renewing  acquaintances,  pur 
chasing  horses,  and  preparing  to  proceed  on 
the  long  journey  to  the  Pacific  coast.  Again 
taking  up  the  march,  the  adventuresome  band 
arrived  at  Guadalajara,  there  making  another 
halt  of  three  days  to  rest  his  men  and  ani 
mals  ;  setting  out  again,  refreshed  and  eager, 
he  finally  arrived  at  Mazatlan,  on  the  Pacific 
coast.  There  he  purchased  a  small  schooner, 
of  about  forty  tons.  He  had  determined  to 
go  by  sea  from  that  point  to  San  Francisco. 
In  the  harbor  was  the  English  frigate  In- 
constance,  whose  gallant  captain  was  Sir 
Charles  Courtney,  a  true  Briton  admirer  of 
pluck  and  daring.  The  adventuresome  Cap 
tain  received  a  royal  welcome  from  him,  and 


156  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

was  the  recipient  of  many  courtesies  at  his 
hands.  He  visited  the  ship  quite  often,  and 
was  allowed  the  privilege  of  copying  maps  and 
charts  of  the  coasts.  Besides,  other  kind  as 
sistances  were  rendered  him.  The  genuine 
hospitality  extended  him  by  Captain  Courtney 
was  the  most  pleasing  remembrance  of  the 
whole  trip,  and  is  always  borne  in  grateful 
memory  by  him. 

Captain  Hungerford  was  occupied  for  two 
weeks  in  fitting  out  the  frail  little  bark.  His 
knowledge  of  sailoring  and  navigating  was  of 
the  most  meagre  description,  but  he  readily 
adapted  it  to  the  work  at  hand.  At  Mazatlan 
the  Captain  found  twenty-seven  Americans, 
gold-seekers  like  himself,  who  had  reached 
there,  but  were  unable  to  proceed  further, 
being  absolutely  destitute.  They  had  come 
from  the  Southern  States,  through  New  Mexico 
and  Texas ;  they  too  had  tramped  many  a 
mile.  Joyfully  the  two  adventuresome  bands 
greeted  each  other.  But  what  was  to  be  done  ? 
The  Captain's  resources  were  slender,  the  boat 
already  crowded,  and  he  had  the  greatest 
difficulty  in  looking  after  his  own  men.  But 
his  heart  was  touched  at  the  distress  of  his 
countrymen.  He  could  not  leave  them  behind; 
so,  notwithstanding  the  sacrifice,  he  generously 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  157 

agreed  to  take  them  on  board,  and  whatever 
extra  expense  was  incurred  they  could  settle 
when  they  arrived  at  San  Francisco. 

Putting  to  sea  in  their  little  craft,  they  were 
greeted  with  hearty  cheers  and  "  bon  voyage  " 
from  the  gallant  tars  of  the  "  Inconstance"  led 
by  their  captain,  the  sailors  having  manned 
the  rigging,  to  wish  the  brave  hearts  a  God 
speed.  The  cheers  were  heartily  returned 
from  the .  deck  of  the  schooner,  and  waving 
adieu  they  boldly  set  sail  for  the  golden 
shores  of  California.  But  the  winds  were  not 
propitious.  After  a  tedious  twenty  days  of 
calm  in  the  Gulf  of  Cortes,  now  known  as 
Gulf  of  California,  they  reached  San  Jose 
del  Cabo,  near  Cape  San  Lucas.  Here  they 
took  aboard  fresh  supplies  of  water,  meat, 
and  vegetables,  and  again  started  out.  Reach 
ing  the  cape  he  put  out  to  sea  for  eighty  or 
a  hundred  miles ;  returning,  he  would  find 
the  same  rock  of  the  cape  to  meet  their 
anxious  gaze.  The  little  boat,  having  a  round 
or  egg-shelled  bottom,  and  no  keel,  could  only 
hold  her  own  with  the  fresh,  northwest 
winds  which  prevailed,  blowing  down  along 
the  coast.  What  an  agonizing  delay  to  those 
adventuresome  spirits,  burning  with  the  de 
sire  to  reach  the  El  Dorado  —  twenty-one 


158  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

days  of  this  fruitless  endeavor!  At  last  he 
put  in  at  San  Jose  del  Cabo,  the  point  he 
started  from,  where  he  abandoned  the 
schooner.  A  consultation  was  then  held;  the 
result  was  that  the  Captain,  selecting  ten 
trusty  men,  determined  to  finish  the  hazardous 
journey  by  land,  though  he  knew  he  would 
have  to  travel  fourteen  hundred  miles  through 
an  unknown  country,  beset  with  dangers 
and  swarming  with  hostiles.  But  men  of  his 
stamp  do  not  count  perils,  so  they  fearlessly 
pushed  forward.  The  others  remained  on 
board,  and  going  back  to  Mazatlan,  they 
sold  the  schooner,  obtained  passage  on  a 
steamer  which  had  come  round  Cape  Horn, 
and  arrived  at  San  Francisco  some  time  in  ad 
vance  of  their  more  adventuresome  comrades. 
The  Captain  and  his  followers  left  San  Jose  in 
April,  and  from  the  day  of  starting  out  all  was 
hardship  and  privation.  Had  it  not  been  for 
the  grim  resolution  and  indefatigable  energy 
of  the  Captain,  more  than  one  would  have 
fallen  by  the  way  overcome  by  fatigue  and 
sufferings.  For  four  days  they  were  without 
food,  three  days  without  water.  Gnawing 
hunger,  burning  thirst,  and  intense  physical 
exertions  were  their  lot,  yet  they  pressed  on. 
For  sixteen  days  they  rode  through  a  sandy 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  159 

desert,  from  habitation  to  habitation,  without 
shelter  or  food  for  man  or  beast.  To  this 
day  the  Captain  remembers  the  experience 
with  a  shudder.  He  does  not  think  that  in 
all  God's  terrestrial  domain  there  is  a  spot 
of  country  so  desolate  and  so  barren  as  that 
which  they  passed  through  on  that  never-to- 
be-forgotten  sixteen-days'  ride.  Only  the 
determined  character  of  the  Anglo-Saxon 
could  have  surmounted  such  obstacles  and 
sufferings.  At  El  Rosario,  a  small  hamlet, 
they  secured  sufficient  to  keep  body  and  soul 
together ;  from  there  they  dragged  on  footsore 
and  weary,  till,  coming  to  a  small  settlement, 
they  saw  a  sight  which  gladdened  and  thrilled 
their  hearts  to  the  core.  The  American  flag 
waving  in  the  breeze  greeted  those  exhausted 
but  strong-hearted  pioneers  from  afar.  And 
that  starry  banner  was  flying  over  territory 
which  their  valor  and  heroism  had  made  all 
their  own.  No  storm-tossed  mariner  on  a  tem 
pestuous  sea  ever  beheld  the  long-watched- 
for  beacon  light  with  more  heartfelt  joy  than 
did  those  brave  men,  when  they  gazed  upon 
the  national  emblem  of  their  country,  in  that 
far  away  hamlet.  Surely,  the  words  of  the 
poet  found  no  response  in  the  breasts  of 
those  wear)7  travelers,  when  he  said,— 


l6o  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"  Breathes  there  a  man  with  soul  so  dead, 
Who  never  to  himself  has  said, 
This  is  my  own,  my  native  land  ? " 

San  Diego  was  the  name  of  the  place,  and 
a  garrison  of  three  companies  of  U.  S.  infantry 
was  stationed  there.  Here  the  Captain  found 
his  friend  and  former  companion  in  arms, 
Lieutenant  Tom  Sweeney  (now  Brig-Gen. 
Thomas  W.  Sweeney,  a  one-armed  veteran  on 
the  retired  list  of  the  U.  S.  Army),  formerly 
of  his  regiment,  and  who  had  been  trans 
ferred  to  the  regular  army.  From  him  the 
Captain  and  his  followers  received  every 
attention  and  assistance,  in  their  dire  and 
pitiable  condition. 

Now  the  hardships  were  over  ;  from  thence 
to  San  Francisco  all  was  without  incident,  till 
he  entered  the  Plaza,  Portsmouth  Square, 
the  second  of  July,  1849.  To  reach  there  he 
had  made  a  journey  of  six  months  and  three 
days ;  he  had  undergone  sufferings,  priva 
tions,  and  hardships.  But  now  all  was  for 
gotten.  He  had  retained  what  he  had  started 
out  with  —  a  strong  heart,  unflinching  courage, 
and  unbounded  energy.  These  were  the 
qualities  that  would  be  bound  to  tell.  One 
without  them  had  no  place  nor  right  in  that 
community. 


CHAPTER    V. 

Early  days  in  California  —  In  business  —  Losses  by  the 
flood  —  Studies  medicine  —  Organizes  "  Sierra  "  Bat 
talion  —  Sword  presentation  —  Burned  out  —  Relieving 
distress  —  Fighting  the  Indians  —  Explores  Pyramid 
Lake. 


'X'HE  gold  fever  had  drawn  from  every  class. 
Among  those  sturdy  pioneers  were  law 
yers,  doctors,  men  of  family  note  and  educa 
tion.  Most  of  them,  indeed  all  of  them,  had 
no  fixed  purpose,  except  to  reach  the  land  of 
promise.  All  were  willing  to  set  aside  the 
prejudices  of  caste  and  education,  in  their 
endeavor  to  obtain  what  passes  current  every 
where,  and  is  the  open  sesame  to  the  world's 
friendship.  In  consequence,  the  professional 
man  could  often  be  seen  at  the  most  humble 
occupation,  feeling  that  he  suffered  no  de 
gradation  from  the  contagion  of  honest  labor. 
There  was  no  waiting  for  something  to  turn 
up.  Every  one  went  to  work  at  the  first  oppor 
tunity  offered,  content  to  remain  in  a  tem 
porary  position,  until  time  and  circumstances 
would  justify  a  suitable  change.  Mere  labor- 


1 62  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

ers  received  fabulous  rates  of  pay,  and  even  by 
digging  dirt,  a  man  could  in  a  short  time 
accumulate  a  considerable  sum.  Idlers  have 
no  place  in  our  system  of  society,  and,  in  the 
early  days  of  California,  there  were  assuredly 
no  drones  in  that  hive  of  busy  bees.  The 
American  character  adapts  itself  readily  to 
time  and  place,  and  the  phenomenal  develop 
ment  of  the  Pacific  coast,  unparalleled  in  the 
history  of  civilization,  is  the  most  striking 
example  of  it. 

There  has  been  so  much  written  on  the 
early  days  of  California,  and  the  stirring 
incidents  have  been  related  and  commented 
upon  so  fully,  that  it  would  be  superfluous  to 
go  over  the  ground  here,  though  the  history  of 
that  time  will  never  be  without  interest  to  the 
manhood  and  youth  of  our  country,  and 
always  thrilling  in  the  memory  of  the  actual 
participants. 

There  were  no  wharves  then  in  San  Fran 
cisco,  and  all  freights  coming  into  that  port 
were  discharged  by  means  of  lighters.  Captain 
Hungerford  was  not  long  in  finding  something 
to  do.  He  was  offered  the  position  of  superin 
tendent  of  three  or  four  bateaux  to  do  the 
lightering  of  several  large  vessels.  He  ac 
cepted,  and  his  salary  was  fixed  at  twenty 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  163 

dollars  per  day.  The  men  received  an  ounce 
of  gold,  or  sixteen  dollars  a  day,  for  their 
labor.  At  that  time,  indeed,  the  laborer  was 
worthy  of  his  hire,  and  needed  no  "  protection." 

From  lightering  the  Captain  became  a 
merchant,  and,  under  the  firm  name  of  Simon 
&  Co.,  he  conducted  a  general  store  on  Clark's 
Point,  then  a  hill,  just  under  Telegraph  Hill, 
now  the  junction  of  Broadway  and  Sansome 
streets. 

The  winter  of  1849-50  was  one  of  the 
hardest  known  in  the  history  of  California. 
The  town  being  built  mostly  of  canvas  houses 
was  ill  fitted  to  withstand  the  severity  of 
that  season;  the  heavy  winds,  rains,  and 
storms,  often  leveling  the  insecure  habitations 
and  places  of  business.  Those  sturdy  pioneers 
who  ma)'-  still  be  living  will  readily  remember 
the  mud  lakes  in  the  street.  On  Montgomery, 
from  Pacific  and  Washington  streets,  the  side 
walks  were  built  up  with  sacks  of  beans  and 
cases  of  tobacco,  two  and  a  half  feet  in  height. 
Many  crossings  of  the  principal  streets  were 
made  of  corduroy  and  plank,  placed  on  short 
piling.  The  visitor  of  to-day,  and  the  people 
of  San  Francisco  of  the  present  generation, 
little  know  of  the  suffering  and  deprivation  of 
those  times,  that  tried  men's  soles  and  boots, 
worth  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  a  pair. 


164  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

The  heavy  rains  had  caused  a  great  deal  of 
damage,  and  it  was  the  Captain's  misfortune  to 
be  one  of  the  sufferers.  The  frail  structure 
wherein  his  business  was  conducted  had  be 
come  undermined  by  the  floods,  and  the 
owner,  not  thinking  it  worth  while  to  repair 
it,  since  it  was  to  be  demolished  the  following 
spring,  the  Captain  compromised  by  relin 
quishing  his  lease.  Winter  having  come,  and 
business  being  suspended  on  account  of  lack 
of  communication  with  the  mines,  the  Captain 
closed  up  his  affairs,  having  amassed  <a  consid 
erable  sum  as  the  result  of  his  energy  and 
hard  work.  Now  he  was  stricken  down. 
Pneumonia  had  followed  a  severe  cold,  and 
dysentery  set  in  with  it.  All  through  the 
winter,  and  late  into  the  spring,  he  struggled 
with  these  grim  enemies,  but  his  grit  and 
determination  carried  him  through,  as  they 
had  done  before.  While  still  convalescent, 
thin  and  emaciated,  but  with  all  the  vim  of 
his  former  self,  he  started  for  the  mines. 
Again  the  raging  element  was  against  him. 
The  flood  which  swept  Sacramento  City 
carried  with  it  his  stock-in-trade,  with  which 
he  was  trying  to  reach  the  mines.  However, 
nothing  daunted,  he  continued  his  course  on 
to  Marysville,  thence  to  Forster's  Bar,  on  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  165 

Yuba  River.  Here  he  met  with  many  ups  and 
downs.  He  engaged  in  various  trades  and 
occupations,  carrying  on  butchering,  black- 
smithing,  mining,  auctioneer,  law ;  anything 
that  was  honest  and  would  prove  profitable, 
everything  going  on  at  the  same  time.  He 
employed  a  large  number  of  men,  and  any  one 
at  all  capable  was  generally  taken  in  and 
given  a  chance  at  Hungerford's.  He  was,  in 
theatrical  parlance,  a  "  general  utility "  man, 
always  on  the  stage  and  able  to  respond  to 
every  call.  During  the  summer  he  was  robbed 
by  Jim  Stewart,  a  notorious  character,  who 
afterwards  suffered  for  his  many  misdeeds, 
being  hanged  by  the  Vigilance  Committee  at 
San  Francisco.  The  Captain  sustained  a  loss 
of  nearly  five  thousand  dollars,  a  portion  of 
which,  however,  he  subsequently  recovered. 

Another  winter  was  passed  amid  the  snow 
and  inclemencies  of  the  bleak  Sierra  Nevadas. 
In  the  spring  of  '51  he  pushed  on  further  up 
the  Yuba  to  the  Forks,  now  known  as  Downie- 
ville  County,  seat  of  Sierra  County.  Here  he 
formed  a  partnership  with  Dr.  C.  D.  Aiken,  and 
commenced  the  drug  business,  the  Doctor 
practising  his  profession,  and  the  Captain, 
under  his  guidance,  attending  to  the  commer 
cial  affairs  of  the  firm.  For  five  years  the 


1 66  DANIEL    E.    IIUNGERFORD. 

copartnership  lasted.  During  this  time  he 
had  learned  thoroughly  the  drug  business, 
and,  having  the  advantage  of  the  Doctor's 
practice,  and  the  County  Hospital  close  by,  he 
was  also  enabled  to  acquire  a  training  in  the 
medical  profession.  He  was  an  industrious, 
hard  student ;  many  a  midnight  taper  he 
burned,  poring  over  his  books.  But  for  him, 
like  all  other  successful  men,  what  was  worth 
doing  at  all  was  worth  doing  well,  and,  in  all 
his  undertakings  through  life,  he  applied 
himself  with  a  zeal  and  perseverance  that 
compelled  success. 

Civil  pursuits,  however,  did  not  wean  the 
Captain  from  his  military  tastes.  The  old 
love  was  not  extinguished.  During  this  time 
he  organized  the  "Sierra  Guards,"  a  military 
organization  belonging  to  the  State  Militia. 
This  action  on  the  Captain's  part  roused  the 
patriotism  and  military  ardor  of  the  people, 
and  helped  to  turn  a  part  of  their  attention 
from  the  wild  pursuit  of  sordid  gain.  Four 
other  companies  were  raised  in  the  county, 
forming  the  Sierra  Battalion,  of  which  he  was 
elected,  and  commissioned,  Major  Commanding. 
Now  he  was  in  his  element ;  he  devoted  all  his 
energies  to  his  command,  and  soon  himself 
and  men  had  won  quite  a  reputation  for  drill- 


DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD.  167 

ing  and  efficiency  of  organization.  Indeed,  his 
popularity  was  such  that,  in  1855,  the  Sierra 
Guards  presented  him  with  a  magnificent 
sword.  The  following  description  of  the  occa 
sion  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  of  the  day. 

"On  Monday,  the  eighth  inst,  Col.  R.  H. 
Taylor,  on  behalf  of  the  Sierra  Guards,  pre 
sented  a  magnificent  gold-hilted  dress  sword 
to  Major  Daniel  E.  Hungerford,  their  chief 
officer,  as  a  testimonial  of  respect  for  a  soldier 
who  distinguished  himself  in  the  War  with 
Mexico,  as  well  as  their  appreciation  of  a  gen 
tleman  who  needed  not  such  distinction  to 
ensure  the  friendship  and  respect  of  his  fellow- 
citizens  and  associates. 

"  The  sword,  a  most  elegant  and  costly  speci 
men  of  workmanship,  bears  on  the  scabbard 
the  following  inscription : 

MAJOR    DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD, 

FROM  THE  SIERRA  GUARDS, 

January  8,  1855. 

Vera  Cruz, 

Cerro  Gordo, 
Contreras, 

Chapultepec, 

Garita  de  Belen. 

"  Our  Volunteers  were  there." 

"  It  was  expected  that  Harlow  B.  Cossett 
would  make  the  presentation,  inasmuch  as  he 


1 68  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

was  mainly  instrumental  in  getting  up  this 
most  deserved  and  appropriate  present ;  but, 
owing  to  Mr.  Cossett's  legal  engagements  that 
day,  the  sword  was  presented  by  Col.  Taylor, 
after  a  very  appropriate  extempore  address,  in 
which  he  spoke  eloquently  of  the  distinguished 
services  of  New  York's  sons,  not  only  in  Mex 
ico,  but  on  other  fields  of  strife.  We  regret 
that  our  limited  space  will  not  permit  a  full 
report  of  his  remarks,  but  we  must  content 
ourselves  and  our  readers  by  quoting  only  the 
closing  words  of  the  address  ;  he  said : 

"  'This  blade  is  of  true  steel ;  and  in  the  day 
of  trial,  hereafter  as  before,  be  true  as  steel  to 
your  friends  and  to  your  country.  The  blade 
is  bright,  so  were  your  own  brave  deeds  upon 
the  battle-fields  of  Mexico,  in  behalf  of  that 
proud  banner  of  our  Republic.  It  is  bright,  so 
is  the  recollection  of  your  services  in  the 
hearts  of  your  comrades  in  arms,  and  of  those 
who  this  day  surround  you.  It  is  bright,  so 
may  your  pathway  be  through  this  life,  where- 
ever  the  star  of  3^our  destiny  may  guide  you. 
The  hilt  of  this  good  sword  is  bound  with 
silver,  firmly  bound ;  may  it  be  long  }^ears  be 
fore  "the  silver  cord"  of  your  life  may  be 
loosened,  "  or  the  pitcher  broken  at  the  foun 
tain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  cistern  " ;  the 


DANIEL    E.     IIUNOEKFOKD.  169 

scabbard  is  gilded  with  the  glow  of  the  most 
precious  of  metals;  so  may  your  own  deeds 
untarnished  glow  with  golden  light,  while  you 
shall  remain  on  this  terrestrial  camping- 
ground,  and,  when  at  last  you  shall  march 
forward  at  the  great  roll-call  hereafter,  may 
your  field  of  duty  be  in  a  land  whose  golden 
brilliancy  shall  be  undimmed  for  ever."  Major 
Hungerford  replied  as  follows : 

"  '  Col.  Taylor,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Sierra 
Guards :  It  is  with  pleasure  and  pride  that  I 
receive  this  beautiful  memento  of  your  appro 
bation,  though  I  fear  that,  in  this  instance,  the 
merit  has  been  over-rated.  Be  that  as  it  may, 
your  kindness  of  to-day  will  be  by  me  remem 
bered  with  gratitude,  and  it  shall,  if  opportu 
nity  ever  presents,  be  my  incentive  to  such 
conduct  as  may  be  more  deserving  of  such  a 
mark  of  your  consideration. 

" '  The  inscription  engraved  upon  the  scab 
bard  of  your  testimonial  brings  vividly  to  my 
mind  scenes  in  which  it  was  my  good  fortune 
to  be  a  humble  participant,  the  result  of  which 
I  leave  to  your  kind  indulgence,  and  the  pages 
of  our  country's  history.  What  wonder  is  it 
that  our  arms  are  brilliant  with  gallant  deeds, 
when  such  reward  awaits  the  soldier's  return  ? 
I  accept  this  splendid  sword  from  the  Sierra 


I7O  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

Guards,  and  here,  in  the  presence  of  this  as 
semblage,  I  dedicate  it  to  the  service  of  my 
county,  subject  to  its  calls,  whether  it  be  on  a 
foreign  shore,  defending  her  rights,  punishing 
her  wrongs,  or  upon  our  soil,  repelling  an  in 
vading  foe,  or,  worst  of  all  that  can  befall  a 
nation,  a  civil  strife,  threatening  her  nation 
ality,  —  to  any  and  all  of  which  I  most  sacredly 
volunteer  its  good  steel,  trusting  in  the  God  of 
Battles  for  strength  to  wield  its  bright  blade 
in  the  cause  of  liberty  and  the  rights  of  man, 
justice,  and  the  honor  of  my  country.' 

"  The  Guards  made  a  fine  appearance  that 
day.  It  would  be  hard  to  find  a  finer  looking 
little  company  anywhere;  the  company  was 
formed  at  the  instance  of  Major  Hungerford, 
and  very  apt  scholars  have  they  been  of  a  very 
accomplished  instructor." 

That  sword,  presented  thirty-five  years  ago 
in  a  presentation  speech  well  worthy  of  being 
remembered,  and  of  his  remembrance,  was,  in 
the  Major's  well-chosen  words,  dedicated  to  the 
service  of  his  country,  at  home  and  abroad, 
and  his  career  has  been  an  echoing  fulfillment 
of  the  promises  made  there,  that  no  tarnish 
should  ever  rest  upon  its  bright  blade.  The 
true  soldier,  the  cultivated  man,  the  good  hus 
band,  the  kindly  father, — well  may  his  family 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  171 

and  descendants  cherish  and  revere  his  well- 
marked  life. 

The  reader  will  not  fail  to  remark  the  fore 
sight  and  penetration  of  the  gallant  Major, 
when  he  says  in  his  words  of  acceptance  :  "or 
worst  of  all  that  can  befall  a  nation,  a  civil 
strife,  threatening  her  nationality."  The  sound 
of  the  rumblings,  which  betokened  the  up 
heaval  that  was  so  soon  after  to  come  upon 
our  fair  land,  had  been  heard  by  the  young 
officer,  when  they  had  not  reached  the  ears  of 
veterans  and  gray-headed  statesmen.  The 
shot  at  Sumter  found  in  him  no  waverer. 
Long  before  he  had  resolved  that,  when  war 
came,  which  he  clearly  saw  would  come,  the 
army  that  bore  the  "  Stars  and  Stripes  "  at  its 
head  would  be  the  army  on  whose  muster  rolls 
the  name  of  Daniel  E.  Hungerford  would 
appear. 

During  this  year  his  family  joined  him, 
and  the  joys  and  sweets  of  domestic  bliss  were 
his  to  cheer  him  in  his  labors.  But  he  was  to 
be  again  tried ;  a  fire  broke  out ;  the  devouring 
flames  consumed  everything,  and  sturdy  hearts 
saw  their  all  vanish  in  the  pitiless  smoke  of  a 
great  conflagration.  Of  that  bustling  town 
hardly  a  stone  upon  a  stone  was  left.  But 
there  were  no  weeping  and  sitting  on  the  ruins 


1 72  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

for  that  community.  Ere  the  smoking  embers 
had  ceased  to  burn  the  sound  of  the  hammer 
and  buzz  of  the  saw  were  heard,  and,  with  the 
slender  materials  at  hand,  larger  and  more 
substantial  homes  were  built,  and  soon  the 
sun  shone  on  happy  homes  and  contented  peo 
ple.  The  Captain  and  his  Doctor  partner  were 
foremost  in  the  work  of  "reconstruction,"  In 
such  disaster  and  sufferings  they  felt  their 
time,  energy,  and  assistance  belonged  to  their 
fellow-men.  The  gratitude  of  those  they  be 
friended  was  their  rich  reward.  The  Captain 
hired  a  large  building  on  the  outskirts  of  the 
city,  fitted  it  up,  and  gave  accommodation  to 
many  homeless  people;  and,  though  fabulous 
prices  would  have  been  gladly  paid  to  obtain 
shelter,  he  would  not  accept  any  compensation 
whatever,  except  an  insignificant  sum  from 
each,  just  enough  to  cover  the  hire  of  the 
building,  which  it  was  impossible  from  his 
own  means  to  defray. 

War,  fire,  and  flood  had  now  sorely  proved 
the  Captain,  though  in  all  his  misfortunes  he 
had  never  failed  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  his 
fellow-creatures  in  distress.  The  Captain,  or 
Major,  as  we  must  call  him  now,  and  his  kind- 
hearted  wife,  unostentatiously  did  many  acts 
of  kindness  and  charity,  which  endeared  them 


DANIEL  £.  HUNGERFORD.  173 

to  the  people  of  the  town.  Unselfish  deeds 
always  bring  their  own  reward,  and  this  reflec 
tion  has  consoled  them  when  some  of  those 
they  befriended  were  forgetful  in  their  grati 
tude. 

Reverses  only  make  more  persevering  the 
courageous  heart;  and  in  spite  of  all  his  troubles 
and  difficulties,  which  would  have  discouraged 
many  a  man  of  sterner  stuff,  the  Major  spurred 
on  in  his  endeavors,  feeling  that  the  "  tide  in 
the  affairs  of  men "  would  soon  take  a  more 
favorable  turn. 

The  Territory  of  Utah,  particularly  that 
portion  which  bordered  upon  California, 
known  as  Washoe,  had  been  reported  to  be  a 
rich  mineral  district.  Tales  were  told  of  the 
wonderful  finds,  and,  as  in  every  new  discov 
ery,  it  was  thought  to  be  richer  than  any  pre 
ceding  it.  Many  flocked  to  the  region.  The 
Major,  always  on  the  alert  and  quick-acting, 
heard  the  news,  and,  in  the  spirit  of  adventure, 
and  the  hope  of  bettering  his  condition,  set  out 
for  Virginia  City.  Arriving  there,  he  found 
the  town  in  a  state  of  great  excitement.  The 
day  before,  intelligence  had  been  received  of 
the  horrible  massacre  on  the  Carson  River, 
May,  1860.  Men,  women,  and  children  were 
gathered  in  the  streets,  and  terror  and  conster- 


1 74  DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD. 

nation  were  depicted  on  every  face.  Many 
thought  that  the  Indians  would  swoop  down 
and  butcher  every  one  in  cold  blood,  as  they 
had  done  with  their  fellow-citizens  at  Carson 
River.  All  business  was  stopped,  and  nothing 
was  talked  about  or  discussed  but  the  threat 
ened  Indian  attacks.  Those  who  have  never 
lived  in  those  early  mining  towns  cannot  form 
any  appreciate  idea  of  the  daily  dread  of  the 
people,  constantly  living  in  the  fear  of  burn 
ing  and  massacre  by  the  bloodthirsty  savages. 
Meetings  were  held  at  Virginia  City,  Car 
son,  Gold  Hill,  and  Silver  City  by  the  excited 
citizens  to  take  means  for  defense.  What  was 
to  be  done  ?  There  were  few,  if  any,  arms ;  and 
men  without  weapons  could  be  little  or  no  use 
against  the  Indians.  It  was  known,  however, 
that  the  Major  had  arrived,  and  it  was  also 
known  that  he,  being  in  command  of  the  Sierra 
Battalion,  had  under  his  control,  just  across 
the  borders  of  the  State  and  Territory,  arms 
and  ammunitions.  A  committee  was,  therefore, 
appointed  to  wait  on  him,  and  ask  him  to  fur 
nish  arms,  etc.,  for  their  protection,  and  to  fit 
out  an  expedition  to  fight  the  Indians.  The 
Major,  while  fully  recognizing  the  gravity  and 
peril  of  the  situation,  replied  to  the  citizens 
that  he  was  an  officer  of  the  State  of  Califor- 


t)ANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  I  75 

nia;  the  arms,  etc.,  under  his  control  were  the 
property  of  the  State  of  California,  and  it  was 
not  in  his  discretion  to  take  them  be)rond  the 
State  limits ;  to  do  so  would  constitute  an  un 
authorized  invasion  of  the  Territory  of  Utah, 
belonging  to  the  United  States.  Every  argu 
ment  was  used  to  induce  him  to  permit  the 
arms  to  be  brought  over,  but  without  avail. 
They  offered  to  indemnify  in  any  amount,  in 
an}7  liability,  but  the  Major  could  not  see  his 
duty  clear  to  accept.  Never  in  his  life  before 
was  there  such  a  conflict  in  his  mind  between 
duty  and  human  sympathy.  There  was  not 
one  of  that  committee  whose  heart  was  torn 
like  his  own  by  the  thought  of  the  massacre  of 
their  fellow-citizens.  The  mutilated  bodies 
were  being  brought  in  to  weeping  wives  and 
children,  and  frenzied  men  were  clamoring 
for  vengeance  against  the  miscreants  strolling 
up  Mount  Davidson.  He  thought  over  the 
terrible  situation.  "Our  citizens  are  being 
killed,  property  destroyed,  no  immediate  relief 
or  protection.  The  only  succor  is  in  my 
hands."  After  deep  and  earnest  thought  he 
concluded  as  follows :  "  Gen.  Jackson  took  the 
responsibility  at  New  Orleans ;  so  will  I  now, 
and  to  the  people  I  leave  my  justification." 
Thus  decided,  he  acted  without  delay.  He  im- 


I  76  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

mediately  sent  the  following  despatch  to  Dr. 
E.  G.  Bryant,  of  his  staff: 

"VIRGINIA  CITY,  May  13,  1860. 
"  To  E.  G.  BRYANT,  Downieville : 

"  Send  me  immediately  all  the  arms  and  ammunitions  of 
the  National  Guard.  Telegraph  Lieut.  Hall  at  Forest  City 
to  send  all  the  rifles  in  his  possession.  Send  to  Goodyear's 
Bar,  to  Captain  Kinniff,  to  send  me  all  his  rifles.  Forward 
as  soon  as  possible.  Big  fight  with  the  Indians.  The  whites 
defeated.  Send  me  your  heavy  sabre.  Spear,  Meredith, 
and  Baldwin  killed. 

"Signed,  MAJOR  D.  E.  HUNGERFORD." 

Happily,  an  hour  after  sending  the  fore 
going  despatch  the  Major  received  the  follow 
ing  from  the  Governor  of  California  : 

"SAN  FRANCISCO,  May  13,  1860. 
'"To  MAJOR  HUNGERFORD  : 

"Sir,  You  will  please  collect  such  arms  and  ammunition 
as  you  can  find  in  Downieville,  and  forward  them,  by  ex 
press  or  otherwise,  to  the  scene  of  action  in  Carson  Valley. 
"  Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"JOHN  G.  DOWNEY." 

The  Major  received  this  with  great  joy. 
He  was  now  relieved  of  all  responsibility,  and 
he  entered  heart  and  soul  in  the  preparation 
for  avenging  the  massacre.  Men  of  his  ardor 
and  energy,  coupled  with  military  knowledge, 
were  of  vital  necessity  to  the  terrified  settlers 
at  that  direful  time. 


DANIEL    E.     IIUNGERFORD.  177 

The  citizens  held  a  meeting  that  evening. 
T.  D.  Johns  was  chosen  as  commander  to 
defend  the  city;  and  he  appointed  the  Major  as 
Adjutant.  Without  a  moment's  delay,  the 
latter  commenced  to  organize  the  forces  into 
companies.  Everything  was  in  disorder ; 
chaos  reigned  supreme.  The  inhabitants 
were  panic-stricken.  The  occasion  demanded 
a  man  of  the  character  and  ability  of  the 
Major  to  restore  order  and  give  assurance  to 
the  terrorized  citizens.  Unceasingly  he  worked 
night  and  day,  until  gradually  a  feeling  of  con 
fidence  and  security  began  to  take  the  place  of 
fear  and  distrust.  The  Major,  having  been 
informed  of  the  action  of  the  good  people  of 
Sierra  County,  many  of  whom  were  acting  as 
escort  to  the  arms  which  had  been  telegraphed 
for,  despatched  a  messenger  to  them  with 
instructions  to  organize  into  four  companies  at 
the  first  halting  place,  and  that  he  would  meet 
them  en  route,  before  they  reached  Virginia 
City.  This  was  done.  The  Major  met  the 
party  eight  miles  from  the  city,  assumed  the 
command,  and  on  the  following  day  entered 
Virginia  City  under  arms,  and  in  full  military 
order.  The  inhabitants  received  them  with 
open  arms,  wild  with  joy.  They  greeted  their 
rescuers  with  deafening  cheers.  The  anx- 
23 


178  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

iously-awaited  aid  had  come ;  now  their 
brothers  would  be  avenged.  Here  the  Major 
reorganized  the  battalion,  as  they  had  only 
undertaken  to  escort  the  arms  and  stores  as 
far  as  Virginia  City.  Captain  Creed  Hay- 
mond's  company  also  joined  him  at  this  time. 
Three  companies  of  United  States  troops  hav 
ing  been  ordered  from  San  Francisco,  under 
Captain  Stewart,  with  instructions  to  report 
and  cooperate  with  the  military  organization 
that  should  be  found  in  the  territory,  and 
Major  Hungerford's  being  the  only  organized 
military  body,  Captain  Stewart  reported  to 
him.  The  Major,  Captain  Stewart,  and  Cap 
tain  John,  held  a  consultation  and  agreed  upon 
a  plan  of  campaign.  Col.  Jack  Hayes,  of 
Texas  Rangers  celebrity,  arriving  at  Virginia 
City  while  preparations  were  going  on,  the 
excited  citizens  clamored  for  his  services.  A 
braver  man  than  Jack  Hayes  never  lived.  He 
had  won  his  reputation  by  many  sanguinary 
encounters  with  the  redskins.  Given  a  hand 
ful  of  men  he  would  often  defeat  and  slay 
three  and  four  times  that  number  of  Indians. 
He  never  had  any  experience  in  regular 
military  organization,  and  so  was  not  capable 
of,  nor  did  he  claim  ability  to,  handle  and 
direct  large  bodies  of  men.  But  the  people 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  I  79 

insisted  on  his  appointment,  and  he  was  placed 
at  the  head  of  the  expedition.  Major  Hunger- 
ford  wished  to  retain  command  of  his  Sierra 
Battalion,  his  own  pupils,  in  whom  he 
naturally  had  more  confidence,  feeling  that  he 
could  thus  render  more  effective  service  in 
fighting  the  redskins  alone.  The  result  of  the 
expedition  justified  the  wisdom  of  the  Major's 
desire.  However,  with  his  consent,  reluc 
tantly  given,  it  was  finally  merged  into  the 
Utah  Regiment,  Col.  Hayes  commanding. 
Col.  Ed.  Saunders  was  elected  Lieutenant-Col 
onel,  and  Charles  Fairfax,  Adjutant;  Hunger- 
ford  being,  of  course,  the  Major.  Col.  Hayes, 
before  being  elected,  had  agreed  to  follow  the 
plan  proposed  by  Hungerford,  Stewart,  and 
John,  which  was  to  attack  by  the  front  (Carson 
River),  while  a  movement  would  be  made  in 
the  direction  of  Honey  Lake,  and  thus  entrap 
the  whole  Indian  force  between  Pyramid  and 
Mud  Lake.  Col.  Hayes,  however,  thought 
best  not  to  adhere  to  his  first  determination; 
so  he  moved  to  the  Carson  River,  and  there 
encamped  for  three  days.  From  his  encamp 
ment  on  the  Carson,  he  moved  forward  in  the 
supposed  direction  of  the  hostiles,  who,  it 
seems,  kept  themselves  well  informed  with 
regard  to  his  movements,  retiring  as  often  as 


l8o  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

it  suited  their  purpose  to  *do.  They  finally 
made  a  determined  stand  at  a  narrow  pass 
through  which  the  trail  ran.  Here  the  first 
battle,  known  as  Williams'  ranch,  occurred. 
It  was  of  a  most  irregular  character,  without 
order  or  command  ;  but  this  cannot  be  said  of 
the  Sierra  Battalion.  It  was  kept  well  in  hand 
by  Major  Daniel  E.  Hungerford,  who,  besides 
leading  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  was  able 
by  his  manoeuvre  to  save  the  day.  Were  it 
not  for  the  discipline  of  his  men,  and  his  tactical 
manoeuvering,  they  would  have  lost  the  camp, 
and  every  man  in  the  command  would  have 
been  massacred.  The  well-conceived  plan  of 
young  Winnemuca,  the  intelligent  chief  of 
the  Pay  Utahs,  had  been  perceived  by  the 
Major,  who  immediately,  by  making  the 
movement  which  checked  him,  saved  all. 

The  following  is  taken  from  the  Alta 
California,  describing  it : 

"  At  one  time  they  (the  Indians)  showed  a 
disposition  to  outflank  our  men,  a  platoon  of 
them  riding  along  the  sand  ridges  up  the  river 
bordering  the  camp,  but  Major  Hungerford 
checked  this  movement  by  sending  out  a  force, 
which  stopped  their  advance  in  that  direc 
tion."  This  is  correct,  except  that  Major 
Hungerford,  instead  of  sending  out  a  force, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  l8l 

commanded  and  accompanied  the  movement 
himself.  Col.  Hayes,  recognizing  the  danger, 
and  seeing  the  dispositions  of  the  Major,  rode 
across  the  field  to  where  he  was,  and  congratu 
lated  him  then  and  there  upon  his  good 
generalship  and  promptness. 

The  battle  terminated  in  favor  of  the 
whites,  but  it  was  not  of  a  decisive  nature. 
The  Indians  withdrew  to  the  Truckee  River. 
The  Regulars  were  not  in  this  battle,  not  join 
ing  the  forces  till  the  following  day. 

As  the  lesson  of  this  engagement,  Col. 
Hayes,  perceiving  the  loose  and  unsatisfactory 
character  of  the  organization,  and  seeing  that 
discipline,  if  not  so  necessary  in  guerilla  war 
fare  or  Indian  encounters,  was  absolutely 
essential  to  the  success  of  operations  on  a 
large  scale,  separated  the  command  into  two 
divisions,  Lieut-Col.  Saunders  commanding  the 
mounted  force,  and  Major  Hungerford  the 
infantry,  composed  of  three*  companies  of 
Regulars,  the  Sierra  Battalions,  and  companies 
of  hastily-formed  volunteers  from  the  mining 
camps,  Col.  Hayes  being  Commander-in-chief. 
The  next  day,  the  now  reorganized  forces 
marched  to  the  Truckee  River  and  succeeded 
in  turning  the  position  held  by  the  Indians. 
On  the  day  preceding  the  morning  of  the 


1 82  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFOkt). 

second  of  June,  our  scouts  reported  the 
Indians  occupying  the  heights  and  crags 
commanding  our  line  of  march.  Their  posi 
tion  could  not  have  been  better  chosen.  At 
the  intelligence  brought  in  by  the  scouts,  all 
was  uproar  and  excitement ;  the  camp  was  in 
a  ferment;  the  horsemen  running  for  their 
horses,  etc.  The  Infantry,  commanded  by 
Major  Hungerford,  were  soon  under  arms, 
and  proceeded  to  attack  the  enemy,  who 
were  strongly  posted  on  the  hillside,  and 
sheltered  behind  rocks.  The  fortifications 
were  simple,  but,  almost  impregnable,  com 
posed,  as  they  were,  of  two  large  rocks,  a 
short  distance  apart,  placed  on  each  boulder. 
Another  rock  was  put  between,  resting  on 
the  top  of  the  two  others,  thus  forming  a  kind 
of  arch,  and  the  loophole  made  between  being 
used  by  the  Indians  to  fire  through.  Standing 
behind  the  large  boulders,  and  firing  through 
the  opening,  their  heads  were  the  only  parts 
of  the  body  exposed.  Apparently  secure,  the 
redskins  awaited  the  attack  of  the  whites. 
Major  Hungerford,  however,  spoiled  all  their 
carefully  laid  calculations  by  moving  off  to 
the  right,  flanking  the  enemy,  and  causing 
him  to  abandon  his  position.  By  the  Major's 
movement,  they  were  forced  to  fight  in  the 


DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD.  183 

open.  There  the  chances  of  success  would 
be  more  even  ;  but,  Indian-like,  they  did  not 
prefer  this  style  of  warfare;  so  they  retreated 
in  the  direction  of  Pyramid  and  Mud  Lakes. 
Though  hotly  pushed,  they  succeeded  in  escap 
ing,  owing  to  their  knowledge  of  the  country. 
The  whites  pushed  forward  to  Pyramid  Lake, 
where  they  found  the  Indian  villages  deserted. 
Here  they  encamped  for  the  night  Col. 
Hayes  had  sent  out  five  men  as  scouts,  as  an 
advance.  Following  soon  after  himself,  at  the 
head  of  his  mounted  force,  he  came  upon  their 
dead  and  naked  bodies,  which  told  one  more 
story  of  Indian  atrocity  and  the  ambuscade  by 
which  they  perished.  The  Indians  had  retired 
to  their  mountain  fastnesses ;  not  a  trace  of 
them  was  to  be  seen.  Fearing  the  vengeance 
of  the  whites,  they  had  either  hid  themselves 
in  their  ravines  and  mountains,  of  which  they 
alone  knew  the  secret,  or  had  moved  away 
from  the  region.  Thus  ended  the  Indian  war 
in  Washoe.  The  Volunteers  returned  to  Vir 
ginia  City  and  other  camps,  where  they  were 
disbanded.  The  Regulars  remained  at  Pyra 
mid  Lake,  and  established  an  intrenched  camp 
(Haven),  which  they  occupied  for  a  consider 
able  time.  They  afterwards  fell  back  upon 
higher  ground,  and  built  Fort  Churchill. 


184  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

Major  Hungerford  returned  to  Downieville, 
organized  a  prospecting  party,  and  again 
returned  to  the  vicinity  of  Pyramid  Lake. 
Here  he  found  the  bodies  of  one  hundred  and 
thirty-three  dead  Indians,  slain  by  the  aveng 
ing  settlers  in  the  battle  at  that  place.  He 
built  a  small  fort  which  he  called  Fort 
Defiance,  which  is  standing  to-day,  and  again 
commenced  prospecting  operations.  After 
some  weeks  of  labor  he  went  back  to  Downie 
ville,  carrying  with  him  on  his  back  the  whole 
distance  the  remains  of  his  friend,  William  S. 
Spear,  one  of  the  party,  killed  in  the  first 
expedition,  known  as  the  Ormsby  Massacre. 
The  Major  could  not  allow  the  bones  of  one 
who  was  so  dear  to  him  to  bleach  on  the  field; 
so  he  determined,  notwithstanding  the  danger 
and  difficulty  of  the  task,  to  restore  them  to 
his  sorrowing  wife  and  family.  The  expedi 
tion  in  which  the  brave  Spear  lost  his  life,  was 
sent  out  after  the  murders  at  Williams'  Ranch. 
Hastily  formed,  and  without  proper  organiza 
tion  or  discipline,  they  were  no  match  for  the 
wily  enemy.  Coming  up  with  the  Indians  at 
Truckee  River,  the  latter  furiously  attacked 
and  defeated  them,  slaying  eight}^-three  out 
of  the  total  force  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen  ; 
a  massacre  indeed ! 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  185 

After  the  dispersal  of  the  Indians  by  Col. 
Hayes'  force,  the  Infantry,  which,  as  stated; 
was  commanded  by  Major  Hungerford,  the 
settlers  were  free  for  some  time  from  the  fear 
of  Indian  attacks.  Of  the  part  taken  by  the 
Major,  the  following  quotation  from  a  paper 
of  the  day  speaks  : 

"  Major  Daniel  E.  Hungerford  arrived  from 
the  Pyramid  Lake  Expedition  last  week.  We 
have  been  informed  by  private  letters  from 
the  camps  that,  in  command  of  the  Sierra  Bat 
talion,  Major  Hungerford  won  the  highest  ad 
miration  of  the  officers  and  all  the  men,  by  his 
knowledge  of  military  affairs  and  assiduous 
instruction  of  the  volunteers.  Considering  the 
brave  and  distinguished  service  which  this 
brave  and  good-hearted  gentleman  has  ren 
dered  in  the  war  with  Mexico,  the  country 
has  treated  him  shabbily.  While  trivial  and 
worthless  persons  have  been  promoted,  this 
man,  whose  brave  conduct  was  especially  and 
publicly  acknowledged  in  the  commanding 
officer's  official  despatches,  is  not  thought  of 
when  important  places  are  filled  by  men  in 
ferior  to  himself.  Major  Hungerford  is  a 
soldier  by  nature,  education,  and  experience 
in  the  most  important  battles  of  the  Mexican 

War.     Military  service  is  his  proper  vocation, 
24 


1 86  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

and  no  man  on  the  Coast  is  more  capable  of 
extensive  usefulness,  or  better  deserves  the 
consideration  of  his  fellow-countrymen." 

Apropos  of  Pyramid  Lake,  it  was  for  some 
time  thought  that  Fremont  was  the  first  to 
explore  it.  The  distinction  really  belongs  to 
Major  Hungerford,  as  the  clipping  from  a 
California  paper  of  April  8,  1865,  clearly 
shows. 

"  PYRAMID  LAKE.  ITS  ORIGINAL  EXPLORERS.— 
The  Virginia  Enterprise,  alluding  to  recent 
explorations  among  the  islands  of  Pyramid 
Lake,  in  the  State  of  Nevada,  falls  into  error. 
It  says  that  no  boat  had  previously  navigated 
the  Lake,  and  that  no  craft  except  Fremont's 
tub-rafts  had  been  before  seen  on  its  waters 
or  reached  the  island.  This  is  a  mistake,  as 
we  shall  proceed  to  prove. 

"  In  July,  1860,  Major  D.  E.  Hungerford,  then 
of  Downieville,  later  of  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac,  and  now  of  this  city,  organized  a  pro 
specting  party  and  went  to  Pyramid  Lake. 
On  arrival  there  they  constructed  two  canoes, 
lashed  them  together,  and  thus  reached  the 
island  at  the  head  of  the  Lake.  The  names  of 
the  party  of  thirteen,  a  record  of  the  expedi 
tion,  and  date  of  the  event  were  placed  in  two 
bottles,  one  of  which  was  buried  in  the  rocks 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  187 

at  the  place  of  landing,  and  the  other  at  the 
highest  point  of  the  island,  where  they  also 
erected  an  American  flag,  constructed  of  their 
shirts.  A  celebration  was  held,  and  George  M. 
Beach,  Esq.,  of  this  city  made  a  speech.  On 
their  return  to  the  mainland  they  filled  the 
canoes  with  stones  and  sunk  them.  The  col 
lective  name  of  the  party  was  'The  Pyramid 
Lake  Pioneer  Mining  Company,'  chiefly  be 
longing  to  Downieville." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  honorable 
discharge  of  the  Major  from  the  regiment. 
He  was  the  last  in  service.  Indeed,  when  the 
companies'  returned  to  Virginia  City  all  were 
disbanded  except  his  own  command.  He, 
fearing  that  trouble  and  rioting  might  result 
from  the  sudden  disorganization  of  so  many 
armed  men,  had  taken  the  precaution  to  retain 
his  command  and  discipline.  This  proved  to 
be  a  necessary  step,  for  he  was  afterwards 
obliged  to  restore  order  and  stop  the  looting 
which  was  being  carried  on  by  some  of  the 
soldiery.  His  forethought  and  prudence  were 
highly  appreciated  and  deeply  felt  by  the  citi 
zens,  many  of  whose  property  and  lives  he  was 
the  means  of  saving.  Always  expectant  and 
looking  ahead,  he  clearly  foresaw  what  would 
come  about  from  the  relaxing  of  discipline 
and  military  rule : 


1 88  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

HEADQUARTERS  UTAH  REGIMENT  OF  VOLUNTEERS, 

VIRGINIA  CITY,  U.  T.,  June  10,  1860. 
To  DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD, 

Major  Utah  Regiment  of  Volunteers. 

DEAR  SIR,  —  The  Utah  Regiment  of  Volunteers  under 
my  command  is  hereby  disbanded,  and  you  are,  therefore, 
honorably  discharged  from  the  service  as  Major  of  the 
Regiment.  Your  accounts  will  be  forwarded  to  the  War 
Department  with  the  accounts  of  the  regiments  in  general. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  C.  HAYS, 

Col.  Commanding  Utah  Regt.  Vol. 
(Attest)         CHARLES  S.  FAIRFAX,  Adjutant. 

The  official  report  of  the  Major  to  the  Gov 
ernor  of  the  State  of  California  is  here  given. 
In  the  difficult  and  trying  role  the  Major  had 
to  play,  few  could  have  acquitted  themselves 
with  more  honor  and  patriotism.  No  self-lau 
dation,  but  praise  and  commendation  for 
others  he  freely  gives. 

HEADQUARTERS  SIERRA  BATTALION,  C.  M.,  ) 
DOWNIEVILLE,  June  26,  1860.      j 
To  JOHN  G.  DOWNEY, 

Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  California. 
DEAR  SIR, —  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  in  obedience  to 
your  despatch  of  the  thirteenth  of  May,  1860,  directing  me 
to  collect  such  arms  and  ammunition  as  I  could  find  *  in 
Downieville,  and  forward  them  by  express,  or  otherwise,  to 
the  scene  of  action  in  Carson  Valley ;  being  myself  at  the 
time  in  Virginia  City,  1  telegraphed  to  Surgeon  E.  G.  Bry 
ant  to  forward  the  arms,  accoutrements,  etc.,  of  the  National 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  189 

Guard,  Captain  John  E.  Ager,  and  the  arms,  accoutrements, 
etc.,  of  the  Goodyear  Rifles,  Captain  B.  Kinniff,  which  were 
received  and  turned  over  to  B.  L.  Lippincott,  Quartermaster 
of  the  Utah  Regiment  of  Volunteers  (receipts  for  which  are 
herewith  enclosed).  Not  having  instructions  as  to  the  dis 
position  of  the  arms,  etc.,  upon  their  arrival  I  considered 
myself  as  bound  in  discretion  to  turn  them  over  to  a  mili 
tary  organization,  to  the  end  that  they  might  be  used  for 
the  best  protection  of  the  inhabitants  of  Utah  Territory, 
and  I  trust  that  my  acts  may  receive  the  approbation  of 
your  Excellency.  The  hurried  manner  in  which  all  busi 
ness  connected  with  the  fitting  out  of  the  expedition  against 
the  Indians  was  done,  must  be  my  excuse  for  not  having 
received  more  satisfactory  vouchers  for  the  arms,  accoutre 
ments,  etc.,  property  of  the  State  of  California.  I  am  com 
pelled  also  to  cite  in  further  extenuation  the  great  excite 
ment  existing,  as  well  as  the  difficulty  of  finding  persons 
occupying  situations  who  were  acquainted  with  that  peculiar 
line  of  public  business. 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  inform  your  Excellency  of  the 
patriotism  of  the  citizens  of  Downieville,  who  promptly  re 
sponded  to  the  call  of  their  fellow-countrymen  in  Utah  for 
assistance,  and  by  private  subscriptions  raised  the  means  of 
subsistence  and  transportation  for  the  one  hundred  and 
thirty-five  good  citizens  who  volunteered  to  escort  the  arms, 
accoutrements,  etc.,  free  of  expense  to  the  State,  many  of 
whom  volunteered  again  for  the  campaign.  These  were 
organized  into  three  companies,  under  Captains  E.  J.  Smith, 
John  B.  Reed,  and  F.  F.  Patterson,  and  subsequently  joined 
by  Captain  Creed  Haymond's  Company  of  Sierra  Greys,  the 
whole  forming  the  Sierra  Battalion,  under  my  command, 
and  subsequently  a  part  of  the  Utah  Regiment  of  Volun 
teers,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  John  C.  Hays,  remain- 


IQO  DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD. 

ing  with,  and  taking  part  in,  the  military  operations,  until 
discharged  on. the  tenth  of  June,  1860. 

In  September,  1854,  I  organized  in  this  (Sierra)  County 
the  Sierra  Guards,  and  have  continued  in  the  service  of  the 
State  since.  In  1856  I  was  commissioned  as  Major  of  the 
First  Battalion,  Second  Brigade,  Fourth  Division,  California 
Militia,  and,  having  now  seen  some  of  the  companies  put  to 
the  more  practical  use,  I  beg  leave  most  respectfully  to 
tender  this  my  resignation  as  Major  in  the  service  of  Cali 
fornia,  to  take  effect  July  the  first,  1860. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  humble 

servant, 

D.  E.  HUNGERFORD, 

Major  Commanding  Sierra  Battalion. 

The  Major  thought  proper  to  withdraw  his 
resignation,  as  clouds  were  beginning  to  darken 
in  other  parts  of  the  country,  and  he  wished  to 
have  his  hand  on  a  sword  hilt  that  could  be 
quickly  drawn.  The  Governor,  replying,  ac 
knowledges  the  efficient  service  the  Major  has 
rendered,  and  expresses  his  appreciation  of  the 
aid  that  he  gave  to  the  citizens  of  the  neigh 
boring  Territory. 

STATE  OF  CALIFORNIA,  EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

SACRAMENTO,  June  28,  1861. 
D.  E.  HUNGERFORD, 

Major  Sierra  Battalion,  C.  M. 

DEAR  SIR,  —  Your  communication  of  the  twenty-fourth 
inst.  is  received.  Officers  of  your  battalion  have  been  com 
missioned,  and  the  requisitions  filled  out  with  the  best  arms 
now  in  the  service. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  19! 

I  am  pleased  that  you  have  found  it  compatible  with 
your  private  affairs  to  withdraw  your  resignation,  as  I 
should  dislike  exceedingly  to  lose  your  services  at  a  time 
when  they  may  be  needed.  You  can  rest  assured  that  any 
thing  I  can  do  to  advance  the  efficiency  of  the  Sierra  Bat 
talion  will  be  done,  as  I  will  not  soon  forget  their  prompt 
ness  when  called  upon  to  render  aid  to  our  neighbors  in 
Nevada  Territory. 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  G.  DOWNEY. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

Breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion  —  Off  to  the  War — Commis 
sioned  as  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  Thirty-sixth  New 
York  —  Joins  Regiment  at  Washington  —  Letters  home 
—  Camp  incidents  —  Prophecies  —  Appointment  on  Mili 
tary  Board  —  Assisting  Surgeons. 

HPHE  Republic  was  to  pass  through  such  an 
ordeal  as  no  other  government  had  ever 
undergone  —  this  time,  not  on  a  foreign  soil, 
but  in  its  own  land,  where  rivers  of  blood 
would  flow,  and  four  long  years  of  fratricidal 
strife  would  wage,  before  the  "Stars  and 
Stripes "  would  wave  in  triumph  from  every 
part  of  the  Nation's  domain,  North,  South, 
East,  and  West. 

Dark,  ominous  clouds  were  appearing  on 
the  horizon  of  our  national  destiny.  They 
had  not  been  seen  by  all,  or  if  seen,  were  gen 
erally  regarded  as  a  nimbus  that  the  golden 
sun  of  pure  patriotism  would  soon  dispel. 
But  thoughtful  men  —  they  were  not  many  - 
knew  the  terrible  storm  would  have  to  break. 
Major  Hungerford,  as  we  have  seen  in  the  pre 
ceding  chapter,  six  years  before  the  awful  con 
flict  began  to  rage,  had  pierced  futurity  by  his 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  1 93 

clear  perception  of  the  true  import  of  what 
was  passing  about  him.  Perhaps  already  dur 
ing  the  Indian  campaign  he  had  seen  in  his 
mind's  eye  the  conflicts  of  those  mighty  armies 
in  a  few  years  rushing  together  on  a  vaster 
field.  It  is  not  appropriate  in  these  pages  to 
discuss  the  causes  which  led  to  that  great  war. 
They  are  well-known,  and  nothing  would  be 
gained  by  their  repetition  here.  The  pages  of 
history  are  open  to  all,  and  therein  one  can 
read. 

When  Lee  laid  down  his  sword  to  Grant  at 
Appomattox,  hatred  and  strife  should  have 
been  laid  down  with  it,  and  peace  and  recon 
ciliation  taken  up.  The  secessionists  of  to-day 
are  those  who,  by  voice  or  pen,  commit  the 
heinous  crime  of  hindering  or  impeding  the 
blessed  work  of  good-will  and  fraternal  union. 
Our  misguided  brethren  of  the  South  —  whose 
valorous  deeds  in  a  cause  they  thought  just 
shine  with  the  glorious  feats  of  arms  of  the 
heroes  of  the  North,  forming  part  of  our  com 
mon  heritage,  the  heroism  of  the  American 
soldier  —  have  been,  as  we  all  know,  conquered 
by  the  sword  they  took  up.  Now  that  the 
beaten  foe  has  accepted  the  result,  their  coun 
try  overrun,  their  property  destroyed,  and 
many  of  them  ruined  and  impoverished,  can 
25 


1 94  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

we  not  afford  to  be  generous  and  extend  the 
outstretched  hand  in  fraternal  friendship? 
The  stars  which  glitter  in  the  firmament  of 
our  National  banner  now  gleam  with  no  fad 
ing  light.  Blood  and  treasure  have  made  them 
of  a  never-ending  brilliancy,  and  when  the 
roll-call  of  those  States  of  these  United  States 
is  called,  there  is  to-day  no  faint  wavering  re 
sponse,  as  before  the  shot  of  Sumter  was  fired; 
but,  instead,  a  thundering  answer  of  "present," 
which  is  heard  to  the  furthermost  corners  of 
the  earth. 

Major  Hungerford  in  these  dark  days  was 
at  Downieville.  Like  every  other  true  patriot 
he  was  waiting  in  anxious  suspense,  hoping 
that  our  statesmen  would  devise  some  means 
to  avert  the  pending  strife.  But  such  was  not 
in  the  power  of  man.  The  lowering  clouds 
had  to  burst.  And  when  once  the  national 
flag  had  been  fired  upon,  from  that  moment 
there  was  but  one  side  on  which  a  loyal  soul 
could  stand. 

The  Major,  in  his  far-away  home  in  the 
Sierra  Nevada,  beyond  the  reach  of  railroad 
or  telegraph,  was  watching  the  operations  with 
his  accustomed  perspicuity  and  foresight. 
When  the  pony  express  brought  in  the  news 
of  the  disaster  at  Bull  Run,  he  was  one  of  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  195 

first  to  get  it.  He  then  knew  the  war  was 
really  on.  To  help  preserve  the  flag  and 
Union  was  his  first  duty.  No  other  had  any 
claim  on  him.  "  The  civil  strife  threatening 
her  nationality  "  was  now  at  hand.  Returning 
home  that  evening  he  said  to  his  brave  little 
wife,  "I  am  going  to  Washington  to  join  the 
army ; "  but,  far  from  being  dismayed,  she 
replied,  "  I  am  not  astonished,  I  expected  it." 
This  Spartan  wife  and  mother  did  not  try  to 
induce  him  to  remain ;  she  knew  his  county 
demanded  his  services,  and  she  would  not 
keep  him,  notwithstanding  the  sacrifices  she 
would  be  compelled  to  make. 

In  two  days  the  Major  was  off  for  the  seat 
of  war,  his  sword,  his  baggage,  and  a  God 
speed  from  his  wife  and  children  to  cheer  him 
on  his  journey.  It  was  the  Major's  intention 
to  go  direct  to  Washington  and  offer  his  ser 
vices  to  the  President,  asking  him  to  assign 
him  wherever  he  was  the  most  needed. 

Arrived  at  San  Francisco  he  embarked  the 
next  day  on  the  Pacific  Mail  steamer  for  New 
York,  via  Panama. '  On  board,  he  met  fifteen 
U.  S.  Army  officers,  among  whom  were  Major 
Robert  Allen,  Major  Grierson,  Captains  Win- 
field  Scott  Hancock,  Mason,  and  Myers, 
Lieutenants  Grigg,  Alexander,  Ingram,  and 


196  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

others,  from  all  of  whom  the  Major  received 
every  courtesy  and  consideration.  Several  of 
these  officers  were  his  comrades  in  the  Mexi 
can  war.  After  a  pleasant  passage  of  twenty- 
three  days,  he  reached  New  York,  and,  before 
stepping  ashore,  he  was  offered  the  appoint 
ment  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  Thirty- 
Sixth  New  York  Volunteers,  which  was  imme 
diately  accepted,  the  Major  receiving  the  warm 
congratulations  of  his  fellow-passengers,  fore 
most  among  whom  was  his  good  friend  Han 
cock,  afterwards  Major-General,  whose  friend 
ship  he  retained  till  the  last  day  of  the  Gen- ' 
eral's  life. 

The  pony  express  had  carried  across  the 
continent  the  names  of  the  passengers  aboard 
the  steamer ;  hence  the  Major's  arrival  was- 
anticipated,  his  gallant  record  being  well 
knowrn.  A  command  was  at  once  made  for 
him,  which,  as  related,  was  tendered  him 
before  he  left  the  steamer. 

In  forty-eight  hours  from  landing  he  had 
started  for  Washington,  to  join  his  regiment. 
The  night  before  his  departure  (Sept  18,  1861), 
writing  to  his  wife,  he  says :  "  I  arrived  here 
on  the  fifteenth.  I  was  met  on  board  the 
steamer  by  a  Lieutenant  of  the  Thirty-Sixth 
Regiment  (Col.  C.  H.  Innes)  with  the  proffer  of 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  1 97 

the  Lieut. -Colonelcy  of  the  regiment.  You 
may  judge  of  my  surprise.  The  regiment  is 
now  in  Washington,  and  I  shall  leave  to-day  to 
join  it.  I  accept  this,  and  -hope  for  promotion. 
The  army  appointments  have  been  all  made. 
The  chances  of  war  are  unknown.  We  may 
never  meet  again.  A  soldier  stakes  his  life, 
and  he  can  fall  at  any  time ;  but  if  the  sacrifice 
must  be,  why,  then,  the  hope  of  meeting  in  a 
better  world."  When  the  Lieutenant-Colonel 
reached  Washington,  after  reporting  to  the  pro 
per  authorities,  he  immediately  set  to  work,  dis 
ciplining  his  command  and  exerting  himself  to 
the  utmost  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  He 
marked  out  for  himself  the  high  standard  of 
conduct  which  he  always  followed,  and  he 
knew  no  other  law  than  duty,  conscientiously 
performed,  come  what  would.  While  at  the 
camp,  in  writing  to  his  wife,  under  date  of 
Oct.  7,  1 86 1,  he  says,  "  You  will  perceive  that  I 
have  not  changed  my  locality  yet,  nor  do  1 
know  when  we  will  be  moved  from  here.  We 
are  constantly  at  work  preparing  for  the  field. 
Since  I  joined  the  regiment  I  have  been  grati 
fied  to  see  a  very  great  and  marked  improve 
ment  in  the  regiment.  Without  wishing  to 
flatter  myself  I  can  truthfully  say  (this  to  you 
alone)  that  I  am  popular  among  military  men, 


198  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

and  particularly  am  I  considered  by  my 
commanding  generals  and  others.  I  have 
marked  out  for  my  course  a  strict  discipline, 
not  only  over  myself,  but  I  hold  others  equally 
rigid.  .It  has  never  been  my  policy  to  expect 
more  from  others  than  I  do  from  myself.  I 
may  in  the  end  make  some  enemies,  but  that 
necessarily  follows  the  conscientious  perform 
ance  of  any  public  duty.  I  find  I  am  gaining 
considerable  reputation.  As  an  instance  of 
this,  to-day  our  regiment  was  inspected  by  the 
Assistant  Inspector-General  of  General  McClel- 
Lan's  staff,  whom  neither  I  nor  any  of  the  reg 
iment  knew,  yet  he  seemed  to  know  all  about 
my  military  career  and  capacity.  This  would 
go  to  show  that  I  am  spoken  of  in  high  mili 
tary  circles.  Also,  I  am  making  the  acquaint 
ance  of  distinguished  public  men,  and  I  hope 
by  a  proper  course  of  conduct  to  profit  by  such 
acquaintance." 

"  Since  my  coming  here,  I  have  been  rather 
unfortunate.  First  I  had  dysentery,  then  a 
tremendous  boil,  having  ridden  fifteen  hours 
without  dismounting.  When  I  got  rid  of  that, 
I  sprained  my  knee,  and  strained  the  muscles 
of  the  leg,  from  which  I  am  at  present  suffer 
ing.  I  have,  notwithstanding  the  Surgeon's 
and  General's  advice,  kept  constantly  on  duty. 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  199 

I  have  received  my  commission,  which  dates 
from  Aug.  5,  1861." 

The  next  letter  is  dated  November  4,  1861. 
In  it  the  Lieut. -Colonel  speaks  with  proper 
pride  of  his  appointment  on  a  Board  of  Mili 
tary  Examiners.  He  has  not  yet  recovered 
from  his  injuries,  but  he  is  impatient  to  get  to 
the  front  w^here  the  fighting  is  going  on.  He 
says,  "  Here,  as  at  my  last  writing,  expecting 
orders  every  day  to  move  to  the  front.  I  wrote 
you  in  my  last  of  the  accident  I  had  met  with 
by  the  fall  of  my  horse.  I  have  not  yet  recov 
ered,  in  fact,  I  am  suffering  as  much  as  I  did 
the  day  after  the  injury.  The  boils  have  all 
disappeared ;  were  it  not  for  that  unfortunate 
fall,  I  would  be  in  the  enjoyment  of  very  good 
health.  I  learned  to-day,  through  Brig. -Gen. 
Couch,  that  I  was  held  in  esteem  at  Division 
(Gen.  Buell's)  Headquarters,  and  also  at  Gen 
eral  Headquarters  (Gen.  McClellan's).  In  proof 
of  their  estimation,  I  have  been  detailed  by 
General  McClellan  as  one  of  the  Board  of  Mili 
tary  Examiners,  to  examine  the  volunteer  offi 
cers  as  to  their  competency,  and  fitness  in 
moral  and  military  capacity.  This  I  consider 
a  very  high  compliment  to  me  and  my  qualifi 
cations,  inasmuch  as  I  was  not  aware  that 
General  Headquarters  knew  of  the  existence 


2OO  DANIEL    E.    HUNGEKFORD. 

of  such  an  individual  as  your  humble  servant. 
I  regret  that  my  regiment  is  not  with  the  ad 
vance,  and  I  fear  that  we  may  be  continued  in 
the  vicinity  of  Washington  all  winter.  In  that 
case,  ni}^  chances  of  advancement  look  rather 
slim.  If  I  could  only  have  one  or  two  good 
fights,  or  even  respectable  skirmishes,  I  think 
I  would  be  all  right.  For  the  last  two  days 
and  nights  we  have  had  a  terrific  rain-storm, 
which  I  fear  may  have  caused  a  failure  of  the 
great  naval  expedition ;  of  that,  however,  I  am 
not  at  liberty  to  speak.  On  the  first  of  the 
month  we  were  mustered  for  payment,  but  we 
will  not  receive  any  money  for  a  week  or  two 
yet.  If  we  do  not  move  from  this  place  until 
after  the  men  are  paid  off  there  will  be  a  high 
old  time,  for  soldiers  and  sailors  will  have  their 
regular  spree." 

The  following  official  documents  refer  to 
the  Board  of  Examiners  mentioned  by  the 
Lieut-Colonel  in  his  letter: 

HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  ) 
WASHINGTON,  Oct.  21,  1861.      f 

SPECIAL  ORDERS  ) 

No.  no.          f  EXTRACT. 

20.  Under  the  authority  of  the  loth  section  of  the  act  of 
July  22,  1861,  a  Military  Board,  to  consist  of  the  following- 
named  officers,  will  meet  at  such  place  in  Buell's  Division 


DANIEL    E.    HUXGERFOKD.  2OI 

as  its  commander  may  designate,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.  on  Wed 
nesday,  the  23d  inst,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  is  practicable, 
to  examine  into  the  capacity,  qualifications,  propriety  of  con 
duct,  and  efficiency  of  all  officers  of  volunteers  serving  in 
said  Division  who  may  be  brought  before  the  Board. 

Detail  for  the  Board. 

Brig. -Gen.  D.  N.  Couch,  Volunteer  Service. 
Col.  Oilman  Marston,  2d  New  Hampshire  Vols. 
Lieut-Col.  H.  L.  Potter,  2d  Regiment  Excelsior  Brigade, 
N.  Y.  Vols. 

The  Junior  member  will  record  the  proceedings. 
By  command  of  Major-Gen.  MCCLELLAN. 
[Signed]         S.  WILLIAMS, 

Asst.  Adj. -General. 

[OFFICIAL.] 

DIVISION  HEADQUARTERS,  Oct.  23,  1861. 
J.  M.  WRIGHT, 

Assistant  Adj. -General. 
Gen.  COUCH. 


HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  ) 
WASHINGTON,  Oct.  31,  1861.      f 

SPECIAL  ORDERS  ) 

No.  124.         \  EXTRACT. 

14.  Lieut.-Col.  Daniel  E.  Hungerford,  36th  New  York 
Volunteers,  and  Lieut.-Col.  Jeffers  M.  Decken,  zoth  Massa 
chusetts  Volunteers,  are  detailed  as  members  of  the  Military 
Board,  appointed  fey  paragraph  20  of  Special  Orders  No.  no 
of  the  2ist  inst.,  in  the  place  of  Col.  Oilman  Marston,  2d  New 
Hampshire  Volunteers,  and  Lieut.-Col.  H.  L.  Potter,  2d 
26 


2O2  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

Regiment  Excelsior  Brigade,   New  York  Volunteers,  who 
are  relieved  from  the  operation  of  said  order. 

By  command  of  Major-Gen.  MCCLELLAN. 
[Signed]         S.  WILLIAMS, 

Assistant  Adj.  -General, 

[OFFICIAL.] 

DIVISION  HEADQUARTERS,  Nov.  i,  1861. 
J.  M.  WRIGHT, 

Assistant  Adj.  -General. 
Gen.  COUCH. 


HEADQUARTERS  IST  DIVISION,  4TH  CORPS  D' 

BRIGHTWOOD,  D.  C.,  March  19,  1862.      f 

SPECIAL  ORDERS  ) 
No.  26.          f 

4.  The  Military  Board,  first  convened  by  virtue  of  Spe 
cial  Orders  No.  no,  Par.  20,  Headquarters  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  afterwards  amended  by  Special  Orders  124,  Par. 
1  6  1,  same  source,  of  which  Brig.-Gen.  D.  N.  Couch  is  Presi 
dent,  is  hereby  ordered  at  these  Headquarters  at  10  o'clock 
A.  M.  to-morrow,  March  2oth. 

By  order  of  Brig.-Gen.  D.  N.  COUCH. 

O.  EDWARDS, 

Assistant  Adj.  -General. 
Lieut.-Col..D.  E.  HUNGERFORD, 

36th  N.  Y.  Vols.,  through  Cols.  Briggs  and  Innes. 

The  next  letter  is  to  his  brother,  and  is 
dated  Nov.  9,  1861,  still  at  Camp  Brightwood, 
D.  C.,  Headquarters  36th  Regt.  N.  Y.  Vols. 

These  communications,  written  at  the  time, 
and  in  the  close  intimacy  of  brotherly  friend- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  203 

ship,  truly  reveal  the  character  of  the  man. 
The  sentiments  therein  expressed  are  indeed 
noble.  They  show  the  true  patriot  doing  his 
whole  duty,  as  well  as  a  willing  heart  and 
hand  allow.  The  Union  demanded  his  full 
and  entire  allegiance,  and  he  gave  it  freely. 

He  writes :  "  I  left  ni)^  home  in  the  moun 
tains  of  California  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  last 
August  for  the  purpose  of  coming  to  Washing 
ton  to  offer  my  poor  services  to  my  country  in 
these  trying  times,  when  she  most  needs  the 
services  of  her  true  and  Io3^al  sons.  I  came 
here  without  knowing  what  part  or  position  I 
should  play  in  the  grand  drama.  It  little 
troubled  me  whether  I  was  an  officer  or  a  pri 
vate,  so  long  as  I  played  the  patriotic  part. 

"  On  my  arrival  at  New  York  the  fifteenth 
of  September,  before  I  had  landed  from  the 
ship,  the  position  of  Lieut. -Colonel  of  the  36th 
New  York  Regiment  of  Volunteers  was  offered 
me,  which  I  at  once  accepted,  anxious  to  be  of 
use  in  any  capacity  to  the  government  that 
my  fathers  and  myself  had,  on  other  occasions, 
fought  for. 

"I  remained  in  New  York  but  two  days, 
and  then  hastened  to  join  my  regiment,  already 
in  the  field,  who  were,  with  one  exception  (the 
Colonel  was  my  First  Lieutenant  in  Mexico), 


2O4  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

entire  strangers  to  me.  On  the  eighteenth  of 
September  I  joined  my  regiment,  and  found 
all  the  officers  anticipating  my  arrival,  they 
greeting  me  as  an  old  and  familiar  friend.  I 
immediately  entered  upon  my  duties,  and  have 
so  continued  up  to  this  date,  with  a  willing 
ness,  zeal,  and  devotion  that  I  feel  confident 
the  immortal  spirit  of  our  father  approves  of. 
Oh,  I  feel  sometimes  that  that  same  spirit  of 
our  noble  parent  looks  smilingly  upon  the  acts 
of  his  youngest  born,  and  approves  of  his  self- 
sacrifice  in  assisting  to  maintain  the  best  gov 
ernment  ever  instituted  by  the  hands  of  man. 
I  am  not  a  Republican,  and  I  did  not  vote  for 
Abraham  Lincoln,  but  he  is  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  my 
country,  and  as  an  honest  American  citizen, 
loving  his  country's  institutions,  I  am  bound  to 
sustain  him  and  his  administration.  In  so  do 
ing  I  lose  none  of  my  rights  as  a  citizen.  On 
the  contrary,  I  am  sustaining  the  principles  of 
true  republicanism. 

"  I  regret  as  much  as  any  one  can  this  war, 
but  it  is  upon  us;  we  must  not  stop  to  inquire 
who  or  what  was  the  cause  of  it,  or  at  whose 
door,  if  any,  the  fault  must  be  laid.  It  is  our 
duty  —  as  we  love  our  country,  as  we  love  the 
principles  of  self-government  —  to  fight  it  out, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  265 

if  we  have  to  shed  the  last  drop  of  blood  in 
our  bodies  to  do  it. 

"  My  regiment  is  at  present  encamped 
about  three  miles  from  Washington.  We  are 
in  daily  expectation  of  orders  to  make  an 
offensive  movement.  Whenever  the  order 
reaches  us,  I  feel  it  will  be  responded  to  with 
steady  and  willing  hearts;  whosever  lot  it  is 
to  fall,  future  generations  will  bless  the  sacri 
fice. 

"  I  left  my  family  in  Downieville,  Cal. 
Whether  I  shall  ever  meet  them  again  is  not 
in  the  power  of  man  to  foretell.  Write  them  a 
few  words  of  encouragement,  though  encour 
agement  my  brave  little  wife  does  not  need. 
So  long  as  she  knows  her  husband  is  doing 
right  and  serving  his  country,  she  is  prepared 
for  any  sacrifice,  and  without  a  murmur." 

On  Dec.  5,  1861,  he  writes,  this  time  to 
his  wife.  Though  immersed  in  his  own  spe 
cial  duties,  he  had  not  failed  to  keep  himself 
thoroughly  informed  of  the  military  move 
ments  being  made.  His  judgment  of  the  ac 
tual  situation  and  his  ability  to  forecast  many 
of  the  future  operations  of  the  forces,  are  quite 
remarkable,  and  well  worthy  of  being  noted 
here.  There  were  but  few  at  that  time  who 
had  such  a  clear  idea  of  events  and  their  sig 
nificance  as  this  volunteer  officer. 


2o6  DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD. 

He  says :  "  I  am  pretty  sure  that  we  are  to 
remain  here  for  the  winter.  I  don't  believe 
that  there  will  be  any  important  movements 
of  our  army  in  Virginia.  I  think  the  army 
will  occupy  its  present  position  until  the  open 
ing  of  the  spring.  There  will  be,  however, 
some  expeditions,  both  military  and  naval, 
sent  along  the  southern  coasts  during  the 
winter.  If  any  of  the  enemy's  troops  are  with 
drawn  from  Virginia,  our  troops  may,  under 
those  circumstances,  be  advanced  to  occupy  the 
localities  vacated ;  but  it  appears  to  be  the  set 
tled  policy  of  the  authorities  not  to  attack  the 
enemy  in  their  strong  positions  at  Manassas, 
while  in  Kentucky,  Missouri,  and  the  South 
western  States  to  vigorously  prosecute  the 
war,  at  the  same  time  to  make  attacks  along 
the  coast,  and  thus  effectually  besiege  the  in 
surgents;  then,  in  the  spring,  when  roads  are 
in  fit  condition,  to  advance  in  this  direction. 
We  are  in  sufficient  force  and  combination  to 
resist  any  advance  of  the  enemy  in  our  estab 
lished  lines  of  defense.  By  this  means  we  dis 
tract  him  from  the  southwestern  and  coast 
movements,  and  while  he  is  weakened  by  the 
exhaustion  of  his  resources  and  the  discour 
agement  and  consequent  loss  of  discipline,  I 
should  not  be  surprised,  before  the  spring  set 
in,  to  find  them  partially  disorganized. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  2OJ 

"  Our  success  along  the  coast  encourages 
the  Union  element  in  the  disloyal  States.  It 
may  tend  to  a  speedy  peace,  perhaps,  without 
the  great  sacrifice  of  life  which  will  necessarily 
follow  the  meeting  of  those  two  great  armies. 
God  grant  it  may  so  prove  ! " 

The  following  letter  from  the  Governor  of 
California  was  received  by  the  Lieutenant-Col 
onel,  about  then,  in  acknowledgment  of  his 
resignation,  which  he  had  sent  in  when  he 
joined  the  Union  forces: 

STATE  OF  CALIFORNIA,  EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT,  ) 
SACRAMENTO,  Dec.  13,  1861.      f 
Lieut.-Col.  D.  E.  HUNGERFORD, 

36th  New  York  Vol.,  Washington  City. 
COLONEL,  —  I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  i2th 
ultimo,  tendering  your  resignation  as  Major  of  the  Sierra 
Battalion,  California  Militia,  and  incidentally  apprising  me 
of  your  holding  command  as  Lieut.-Colonel  in  one  of  the 
New  York  regiments  in  active  service. 

While  I  regret  your  absence  from  this  State,  which  may 
yet  need  your  services,  I  am  pleased  to  congratulate  you 
upon   the   present  honorable  position   you    have    attained 
among  the  gallant  soldiers  of  the  great  Republic. 
Wishing  you  health  and  distinction, 

I  am  very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant,* 

JOHN  G.  DOWNEY. 

The  medical  knowledge  that  the  Lieut. -Col 
onel  had  acquired  in  California  served  him 
well  now.  He  writes  of  his  assisting  the  sur- 


2O8  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

geon  in  the  vaccination  of  the  men.  Solicitous 
of  the  welfare  of  his  command,  he  did  all  in 
his  power  for  their  protection  and  well-being. 

Of  proven  capacity  himself,  he  readily  saw 
the  incompetence  of  others,  and  he  clearly  per 
ceived  the  real  ill  that  the  splendid  Army  of 
the  Potomac  was  suffering  from  —  politics  and 
favoritism  in  the  appointment  of  its  generals. 

December  29,  1861,  he  writes  as  follows  : 

"  I  have  been  assisting  our  Surgeon,  Dr. 
Edward  B.  Dalton,  all  day  to-day  vaccinating 
the  regiment.  There  has  been  considerable 
small-pox  in  and  about  Washington,  but  it  has 
not  spread  as  yet  to  any  extent  in  the  army. 
God  grant  that  it  may  not ! 

"  I  am  very  much  inclined  to  the  opinion 
that  this  brigade  to  which  I  am  attached  will 
not  set  the  Potomac  on  fire  while  under  the 
present  general  (Couch).  I  don't  think  that 
he  enjoys  the  greatest  confidence  of  the  Gen 
eral-in-Chief,  and  every  day  lessens  my  esteem 
for  him  as  a  military  leader.  I  do  not 
believe  that  he  will  ever  breakfast  off  of  more 
than  a  dozen  Secessionists  at  any  one  meal. 
Col.  Innes  is  a  candidate  for  Brigadier-General, 
and,  in  the  event  of  his  success,  I  will  probably 
be  the  Colonel  of  the  Thirty-sixth. 

"  What  a  plague  civil-political  soldiers  are  ! 


DANIEL    E.     IIUNGERFORD.  2OQ 

The  country  has  been  sufficiently  punished 
with  them  already.  Political  generals,  politi 
cal  colonels,  do.,  do.,  do.,  down  the  list  until  it 
completely  runs  in  the  ground.  No  wonder 
that  our  army  has  met  such  reverses.  I  hope 
that  such  appointments  are  about  played  out." 


CHAPTER    VII. 

Christmas  day  —  Disciplining  the  regiment — No  favors  for 
relatives  —  Divining  the  plan  of  operations  —  Good  news 
from  the  West  —  Bull  Run  recalled  —  Disappointed  in 
marching  orders  — Washington's  birthday  —  Luxuries  not 
needed  —  More  extracts  from  letters. 

CHRISTMAS  came  and  went,  and  the  New 
^•^  Year  broke  upon  a  vast  army  preparing 
and  straining  every  nerve  to  be  revenged  for 
the  Union  defeat  at  Manassas.  The  rejoicings 
of  holida}^  time  would  not  come  again  to  many 
thousands  of  that  gallant  host,  calmly  await 
ing  the  shock  of  mighty  battles,  and  expecting 
so  soon  to  hear  the  word  of  command  that 
would  hurl  them  against  their  brother  foe. 
But  the  cheering  words  from  home  and  friends, 
and  the  proud  consciousness  that  each  was 
doing  his  part  in  the  noble  work  that  would 
preserve  the  Union,  and  win  the  blessings  of 
future  generations  for  their  sacrifices,  made 
them  bear  up  under  their  privations  and  look 
hopefully  to  the  future.  Many  of  those  sleep 
ing  on  the  tented  fields  and  undergoing  the 
hardships  incident  to  a  winter's  campaign,  had 
left  their  luxurious  homes  to  battle  for  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  211 

defense  of  the  country ;  but,  whether  from  the 
lap  of  luxury  or  the  poorest  hovel,  every  one 
felt  he  had  an  equal  interest  in  the  sublime 
task.  The  flag  belonged  to  them  all ;  it  shel 
tered  and  protected  the  humblest  and  greatest, 
therefore  each  joined  in  rallying  to  uphold  the 
symbol. 

Lieut-Col.  Hungerford  was  occupied  during 
all  this  time  by  the  ordinary  duties  of  camp 
life,  keeping  au  courant  with  the  military 
situation,  and  foreseeing  many  of  the  move 
ments  which  afterwards  took  place.  Always 
expectant,  he  determined  to  have  his  command 
ready  for  action  when  the  time  came.  In  his 
letter  of  Feb.  7,  1862,  he  gives  a  grotesque  de 
scription  of  his  method  of  securing  discipline. 
If  he  did  not  allow  the  grass  to  grow  under  the 
feet  of  his  men,  he  certainly  did  not  let  the 
herb  assume  any  undue  proportions  under  his 
own.  Ever  on  the  alert,  no  one  can  accuse 
him  of  taking  his  duties  lightly,  or,  so  to 
speak,  sleeping  at  his  post.  The  career  -of  the 
Thirty-sixth  throughout  the  war  gives  the  best 
proof  of  the  efficacy  of  the  treatment  adopted 
by  the  vigilant  commander,  which,  by  way  of 
illustration,  we  give  the  subjoined  letter  de 
scriptive  : 

"  My  whole  attention  is  given  to  the  regi- 


212  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

ment.  I  don't  allow  them  much  time  for  non 
sense,  and  I  think  I  am  right  in  so  doing.  At 
seven  o'clock,  target  practice  and  drill ;  and  at 
half-past  ten,  drill  and  target  practice,  until 
'  roast  beef ' ;  at  half  past  twelve,  battalion 
drill  and  firing  until '  retreat ' ;  all  in  addition 
to  their  other  duties,  which  prevents  the  culti 
vation  of  the  herb  known  as  grass  to  assume 
the  power  of  vitality  under  the  soles  of  their 
shoes.  I  have  now  one  of  the  most  orderly 
regiments  in  the  service,  thanks  to  my  fatherly 
care  in  providing  for  the  wants  of  delinquents, 
and  the  kindly  assistance  of  two  courts 
martial.  They  have  tasted  of  the  fruit  of 
their  foil}7,  and  they  don't  appear  to  like  it 
much.  I  first  tried  moral  suasion.  That 
proved  a  humbug,  quack  remedy.  Then  I 
prescribed  'extra  duty.'  The  patients  didn't 
appear  to  improve  much  under  the  treatment. 
I  then  resorted  to  the  old,  empirical  practice  of 
guard-house.  The  patients  seemed  to  revive 
and  improve  so  much  as  to  induce  the  hope  of 
success.  But  they  in  a  short  space  of  time 
relapsed,  when  I  discarded  all  the  homeopathic 
doctrines  and  resorted  to  the  allopathic,  which 
treatment  has  worked  with  almost  magical 
effect,  so  much  so  that  I  am  determined  to  fol 
low  this  mode  of  treatment  in  all  cases  of  a 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  213 

refractor}7  character  that  may  come  under  my 
care. 

"  For  news,  that  is  '  non  est  in  swampo' 
Idleness  reigns  supreme  throughout  our  lines. 
No  skirmishes,  no  grand  movements,  no  dread 
ful  marches  (thank  God  !),  nor  what  is  more 
pleasant,  no  countermarches,  like  Bull  Run, 
for  instance." 

On  the  eighth  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  in 
forms  his  family  that  a  relative  will  shortly  be 
under  his  command,  but  he  gives  fair  warning 
that  the  said  relative  must  do  his  full  duty, 
and  expect  no  favors  from  him.  He  did  not 
believe  in  having  two  rules  to  go  by,  even  if  a 
member  of  his  own  family  was  to  be  benefited 
thereby. 

I  would  call  attention  to  what  he  says  in 
regard  to  the  campaigns  that  were  to  be 
carried  on.  He  seems  to  have  divined  the 
general  plan  of  operations  afterwards  followed, 
and  not  only  was  his  prediction  correct  in  this 
instance ;  but,  as  the  reader  will  see,  in  his 
other  letters  he  was  equally  prophetic.  He 
writes : 

"  I  was  visited  to-day  by  a  nephew,  a  son  of 
my  sister.  He  is  at  present  a  Corporal  in  the 
Eight  Cavalry,  New  York  Volunteers,  but  will 
shortly  be  transferred  to  my  regiment  as  Sec- 


214  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

ond  Lieutenant,  and  if  he  doesn't  behave,  I'll 
soon  get  rid  of  him.  I  am  determined  not  to 
let  the  ties  of  blood  interfere  with  the  proper 
discharge  of  my  official  duties.  The  plot 
thickens.  Gen.  Grant  has  taken  Fort  Henry 
in  Tennessee,  and  taken  possession  of  the 
Memphis  &  Ohio  Railroad,  near  that  point, 
thus  cutting  off  the  enemy's  communications 
and  supplies  with  the  great  ports  of  Arkansas, 
Mississippi,  and  Alabama.  It  is  no  doubt 
intended  that  Burnside,  with  his  forces,  should 
extend  along  North  Carolina,  in  the  rear  of  the 
rebel  forces  in  Virginia,  forming  a  continuous 
chain,  connecting  with  Buell's  forces  in  Ken 
tucky  and  Tennessee,  which  will  effectually 
shut  off  the  rebel  supplies  from  South  Caro 
lina,  Georgia,  and  the  contiguous  States. 
While  these  manoeuvres  are  being  executed 
other  expeditions,  both  naval  and  land,  will 
engage  the  enemy's  attention,  and,  if  the 
enemy  does  not  keep  a  sharp  lookout,  he  will 
be  caught  in  the  McClellan  rat-trap.  The 
next  two  months  will  be  full  of  events  and 
glorious  achievements.  What  disposition  is  to 
be  made  of  your  humble  servant,  I  don't  know. 
I  can  only  hope  for  the  best,  /'.  e.t  that  Provi 
dence  and  the  powers  that  be  will  so  arrange 
it  as  to  give  a  fellow  a  chance  to  snuff  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  215 

sulphurous  volume  as  it  rises  from  the  bat 
tlefield,  and  not  keep  us  here  guarding  the 
sand  and  mud  heaps  that  surround  the  capital 
of  this  fair  land,  which,  by  way  of  military 
compliment,  they  call  forts.  Nous  yerrons.  It 
is  now  after  'taps'  and  the  camp  is  as  silent' 
as  the  stillness  of  death.  Nine  o'clock,  and 
one  would  not  suppose  that  nearly  a  thousand 
stout  hearts  are  beating  in  the  immediate 
vicinity,  the  owners  of  which  by  a  short  roll 
of  the  drum  would  almost  instantly  be  ar 
rayed  in  battle  attire,  ready  to  meet  the  foe 
of  their  common  country.  Such  is  the  order  of 
discipline,  though  somewhat  tedious  and  trou 
blesome  to  attain,  it  is  gratifying  to  know  that 
out  of  chaos  I  have  established  order  and  dis 
cipline,  the  first  great  principles  to  be  incul 
cated  in  an  army." 

Again  on  February  1 6th,  he  foretells  the  tak 
ing  of  Savannah,  which,  two  years  later,  fell, 
also  Fort  Donelson,  which  capitulated  the  next 
day. 

The  other  parts  of  his  letter  are  not  unin 
teresting  reading.  The  surgeons  come  in  for 
legitimate  criticism.  They  were  about  the 
only  people  that  were  fattening  at  that  time. 
One  can  well  understand  the  impatience  of 
the  Lieutenant-Colonel  to  be  at  the  scene  of 


2l6  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

action,  while  such  glorious  victories  were  being 
won.  Coming  from  the  far-away  town  of 
Downieville,  high  up  in  the  Sierra  Nevadas, 
he  wished  for  something  more  than  preparing 
for  fights  which  were  so  slow  in  coming. 

"  We  are  having  glorious  news  now,  clean 
ing  the  rebels  out  in  every  direction,  at 
Roanoke  Island  and  Fort  Henry.  The  enemy 
have  also  evacuated  their  stronghold  at  Bow 
ling  Green,  Kentucky,  and  to-morrow  I  expect 
to  hear  of  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson  on  the 
Cumberland  River.  We  will  meet  with  a  very 
severe  loss  there,  I  expect,  but  I  feel  confident 
our  forces  will  carry  it.  Next  comes  Nash 
ville  in  that  section,  then  Columbus,  while 
Burnside  in  North  Carolina  will  be  playing  the 
dickens  in  Rebeldom,  and  Sherman  will  be 
advancing  upon  either  Savannah  or  Charleston 
in  South  Carolina,  some  minor  operations 
going  on  along  the  Florida  coast,  and  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Potomac  stands  ready  to 
pounce  upon  the  enemy  in  Virginia  as  soon  as 
they  weaken  their  lines  to  reinforce  or  succor 
any  of  the  threatened  points.  Thus  affairs 
stand  in  critical  excitement.  Before  this 
reaches  you^  great  battles  will  have  been 
fought,  and  a  consequent  rattling  among  the 
dry  bones  of  sinners  on  both  sides.  Many  a 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  21  7 

one  will  have  run  his  race,  and  a  great  many 
made  unable  to  run,  for  want  of  the  proper 
understandings  (legs),  and  another  great  num 
ber  will  fail  to  reach  the  golden  opportunity 
for  want  of  proper  arms.  Well,  it  will  give  the 
lazy  surgeons  something  to  do.  They  have 
been  having  jolly  times  long  enough,  while  we 
poor  -  -  have  been  exposed  to  the  inclemen 
cies  of  all  kinds  of  weather,  doing  guard  duty, 
etc.  Let's  have  a  fight,  by  all  means,  if  for  no 
other  laudable  purpose  than  giving  the  doctors 
something  to  do." 

Another  prediction  has  come  true.  Don- 
elson  has  fallen.  The  escape  of  Floyd  excites 
his  ire,  as  it  did  that  of  every  other  honest 

. 

man.  Referring  to  the  first  battle  of  Bull 
Run  he  recalls  a  fact  which  is  not  often  men 
tioned  by  the  many  that  condemn  in  such  a 
wholesale  manner  the  defeat  of  the  Union 
forces.  Battery  after  battery  was  lost  to  the 
rebels  during  that  engagement,  yet  seldom 
have  the  Northerners  received  credit  for  their 
heroism  on  that  day.  He  also  rightly  character 
izes  as  "gammon"  the  foolish  talk  of  South 
erners  as  to  the  greater  bravery  of  their  troops. 
I  say  some,  as  the  sensible  and  really  brave 
men  on  their  side,  vastly  in  the  majority, 
never  gave  way  to  such  foolish  assertions. 
28 


2l8  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

North  and  South  are  equals  in  braver}^  and 
heroism.  The  noble  qualities  which  distin 
guished  the  American  soldier  were  not  seen  in 
those  from  a  section  only.  North,  South, 
East,  and  West  had  all  their  share  in  the  glo 
rious  quota. 

"As  I  predicted  yesterday,  we  have  the 
news  of  the  capture  of  Fort  Donelson.  Gen 
erals  Johnson  and  Buckner  and  fifteen  thou 
sand  prisoners  are  ours.  That  infernal  scoun 
drel,  John  B.  Floyd,  escaped  disguised.  What 
a  pity !  It  is  said  that  he  stole  away.  This 
afternoon  there  has  been  considerable  saluting 
from  several  of  the  forts  surrounding  the  capi 
tal,  and  to-morrow  morning,  at  sunrise,  I  send 
forth  our  twenty-four  pounders  on  Fort  Massa 
chusetts,  the  thundering  peals  of  jubilant  re 
joicing  in  thirty-four  guns.  Everybody  is 
pleased  and  in  good  humor,  except  an  occa 
sional  regret  at  the  escape  of  Floyd.  The  par 
ticulars  of  the  battles  have  not  yet  reached  us, 
but  I  fear  a  heavy  loss  on  both  sides.  The 
enemy  was  well-positioned,  having  in  addition 
to  Fort  Donelson  several  subordinate  forts, 
batteries,  and  intrenchments,  with  a  force  for 
their  defense  above  the  military  percentum. 
It  is  given  as  a  ratio,  six  assailants  to  one  as 
sailed,  when  fortified.  They  had  more  than 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  2 19 

that,  and  consequently  the  advantage,  and  not 
withstanding  their  chivalrous  notion  that  the 
Southern  people  are  vastly  superior,  they  have 
not  proven  themselves  equal  to  the  Northern 
troops  on  Roanoke  Island,  Fort  Henry,  Fort 
Donelson,  or,  indeed,  any  of  the  important  bat 
tles.  Even  at  Bull  Run  they  were  nearly,  if 
not  quite,  equal  in  number  to  the  Union  forces, 
yet  they  lost  battery  after  battery  until  the 
stampede  caused  by  cowardly  Congressmen 
and  ignorant  teamsters.  Their  vaunted  supe 
riority  is  all  'gammon.'  God  Almighty  did  not 
put  all  the  brave  men  in  the  Southern  States, 
I  think  he  left  some  outside ;  it  may,  however, 
have  been  a  mistake." 

"I  expect  to  hear  of  the  taking  either  of 
Charleston  or  Savannah  by  Burnside  or  Sher 
man,  perhaps  by  Butler.  There  will  be  pretty 
exciting  times  shortly,  and  it  grieves  me  that 
I  am  stuck  in  this  camp,  going  through  the 
mimicries  of  soldiering  without  any  of  the  re 
alities  and  glories.  Some  troops  must  occupy 
this  position,  though,  and  I  am  unfortunate 
enough  to  be  one  of  the  poor  -  -.  It  is  too 
bad,  after  coming  all  the  way  from  the  moun 
tains  of  California  to  get  into  a  fight,  to  be 
compelled  to  gratify  my  ambition  in  the  ex 
penditure  of  gunpowder,  celebrating  other  peo- 


22O  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

pie's  victories.  I  might  have  done  as  much  at 
home  with  the  Downieville  artillery.  Volo 
non  valeo.  I  am  willing,  but  unable.  I  am 
afraid  that  I  shall  perforce  be  compelled  to 
return  home  a  whole  man,  without  even  a  lit 
tle  scratch  to  show  that  I  have  been  a  partici 
pant  in  the  great  struggle  for  the  preservation 
of  the  Union." 

February  twenty-sixth  rinds  him  a  busy 
man.  He  tells  the  special  duties  he  has  been 
detailed  upon,  from  which  it  would  appear 
that,  as  he  states  himself,  his  superiors  do  not 
find  him  deficient  in  his  capabilities.  Enthu 
siast  in  his  profession,  he  takes  great  pride  in 
every  new  advancement. 

Again  his  surmises  are  correct.  Virginia 
was  to  be  the  base  of  operations,  though  at 
that  particular  time  the  order  for  the  move 
ment  was  countermanded. 

"  I  am  doing  an  extensive  business  just  now 
in  Division  Headquarters  and  Adjutant-Gen 
eral's  Headquarters,  answering  letters,  making 
reports,  and  writing  to  you  at  the  same  time. 

"  There  is  every  probability  of  our  taking 
the  field  very  soon.  Artillery  regiments  have 
been  sent,  and  relieved  us  of  the  charge  of  the 
forts  on  the  line,  which  leaves  us  free  to  be 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  221 

used,  and  we  are  preparing  for  a  movement 
somewhere,  which  way,  of  course,  we  are  not 
yet  advised;  but  I  strongly  suspect  Virginia 
will  be  our  destination.  The  only  regret  I  feel 
is  that  we  have  not  another  Brigadier-General. 
I  have  no  confidence  in  General  Couch.  I 
don't  think  him  composed  of  the  right  mate 
rial  ;  while  he  has  unlimited  confidence  in  me, 
I  am  sorry  that  the  confidence  is  not  at  all  re 
ciprocal.  However,  it  may  turn  out  for  the 
best,  as  it  may  give  me  greater  scope  to  take 
responsibilities  on  the  battle-fields  if  we  ever 
get  there.  I  have  had  a  magnificent  drill  to 
day,  passage  of  defile,  retiring,  forming  squares, 
and  changes  of  front  while  firing.  I  challenge 
any  regiment  in  the  service,  regular  or  volun 
teer,  to  surpass  it.  The  difference  in  the  dis 
cipline  and  drill  in  this  regiment  is  almost 
magical.  It  has  so  changed  since  I  have  had 
it.  My  whole  time  has  been  devoted  to  it.  I 
have  not  been  outside  of  our  immediate  camp 
except  when  field-officer  of  the  day  for  two 
months,  night  or  day.  If  I  could  retain  the 
command  for  two  months  longer  I  would  bring 
it  up  to  the  standard  of  the  regular  army,  a 
great  thing  to  say  and  accomplish  with  any 
volunteer  regiment;  but  I  would  succeed  or 
be  willing  to  hazard  my  commission  upon  it. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

I  expect  that  I  will  have  to  relinquish  the 
command  to  Col.  Innes  next  week.  His  court- 
martial  will  probably  be  adjourned  sine  die, 
and  I  am  already  detailed  upon  another  court. 
They  keep  me  constantly  employed,  but  I 
would  rather  be  left  alone  with  my  regiment  a 
while  longer,  for  by  its  efficiency  I  win  my 
honors;  but  there  are  other  qualifications  be 
sides  drilling  and  fighting  that  constitute  the 
thorough  soldier,  which,  by  the  way,  it  would 
appear  they  think  me  not  deficient  in.  I  have 
been  considerably  complimented  by  being  de 
tailed  upon  particular  services  of  importance, 
among  which  the  Military  Board  of  Examin 
ers,  then  Inspector,  then  President  of  Board  of 
Commissioners,  and  now  upon  a  high  military 
court.  You  may  be  sure  that  I  would  not  be 
called  upon  to  hold  such  positions  unless  my 
superiors  knew  that  I  had  the  proper  qualifi 
cations.  However,  I  would  prefer  something 
more  substantial.  I  should  modestly  suggest 
promotion.  God  help  us !  A  battle  or  so  might 
help  a  poor  fellow.  Big  men  get  killed  some 
times  as  well  as  little  ones,  and  there  is  no 
telling  who  may  be  called  for." 

In  this  letter  we  have  him  recording  the 
pleasing  manifestation  of  his  men,  which  tes 
tified  to  the  esteem  in  which  they  held  him, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  223 

notwithstanding  the  tight  rein  he  had  always 
drawn. 

The  secret  of  governing  men  is  enforcing 
precept  by  example,  and,  as  the  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  took  every  care  to  do  his  own  duty 
thoroughly,  it  was  all  the  more  easy  to  enforce 
discipline  among  his  subordinates. 

His  commission,  the  honored  evidence  of 
his  military  service,  was  his  one  thought.  He 
held  it  most  dear,  and  the  safety  of  that 
precious  paper  was  his  great  solicitude.  He 
bids  his  wife  guard  it  as  his  most  sacred  treas 
ure. 

Feb.  27,  1862,  he  writes: 

"  I  have  just  learned  that  orders  are  now  in 
preparation  for  my  regiment  to  be  at  the  cars 
in  Washington  by  da}Tlight  to-morrow  morn 
ing.  I  have  just  given  some  necessary  instruc 
tions  to  carry  out  the  anticipated  order. 
While  waiting  am  momentarily  expecting  the 
order.  I  am  unable  to  even  guess  our  destina 
tion  ;  may  be  able  to  form  an  opinion  to-mor 
row.  I  send  herewith  my  commission  for  fear 
of  accident.  We  have  to  leave  everything 
behind  for  the  present,  taking  only  what  we 
can  carry  about,  and  on  our  persons." 

"  Please  take  care  of  it,  as  you  know  how 
proud  I  am  of  all  my  commissions.  There  is 


224  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

no  paper  in  the  world  as  dear  to  me  as  my 
commissions  in  the  service  of  my  country. 

"  We  have  just  had  our  evening  parade,  and 
have  published  the  order  for  marching,  which 
was  enthusiastically  received  by  the  men,  and, 
although  Col.  Innes  was  present,  the  men  pro 
posed  three  cheers  for  the  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
which  were  given  with  a  will.  I  did  not  think 
the  men  would  be  very  willing  to  cheer  me,  as 
I  have  drawn  the  rope  pretty  tight,  while  the 
Colonel  has  been  very  easy  with  them.  It 
shows  that  the  men  can  appreciate  the  neces 
sity  of  discipline.  I  have  not  sought  their 
good  opinion.  Little  difference  it  makes  to 
me  whether  they  approve  of  my  course  or  not. 
I  do  my  duty ;  they  must  do  theirs.  If  they 
don't,  it  is  my  place  to  compel  them.  I  have 
the  reputation  of  a  severe  disciplinarian,  but  I 
would  rather  that  than  be  thought  easy-going. 
Baby  soldiering  is  not  to  my  style.  We  are 
not  advised  as  to  any  intended  movements, 
nor  have  we  any  curiosity  to  learn.  We  are 
here  as  soldiers  ready  to  obey  orders,  not 
speculate  or  question  upon  them,  so  long  as 
there  is  authority  to  support  us." 

"If  I  had  orders  from  competent  authority 
to  unhinge  the  gates  of  hell,  I  would  endeavor 
to  execute  and  carry  them  out.  That  is  the 
spirit  in  which  I  act." 


DANIEL    E.     HUXGERFORD.  225 

"  I  am  pleased  to  know,  however,  that  the 
men  are  soldiers  enough  to  see  that  discipline 
must  be  maintained.  I  regret,  though,  that 
the  Colonel  was  present  when  the  men  cheered 
me,  as  it  may  have  wounded  him  for  the 
moment,  though,  of  course,  it  will  not  affect 
our  friendship  in  the  least.  He  is  aware  that 
he  and  I  are  working  together  for  a  common 
object.  The  better  discipline  there  is  in  the 
regiment  the  better  it  will  be  for  all  concerned. 
His  ideas  of  discipline  are  different  from  mine. 
I  am  an  advocate  of  a  firm  hand,  without  fear 
or  partiality,  holding  every  man  to  his  duty. 
The  Colonel  thinks  as  good  results  can  be  had 
by  being  easy-going.  There  is  where  we  agree 
to  disagree.  Our  personal  relations,  though, 
have  been  and  will  continue  to  be  of  the  most 
pleasant  character." 

However,  the  hope  of  winning  laurels  was 
to  be  deferred,  —  another  disappointment, 
keenly  felt  by  officers  and  men;  but  "sweet 
are  the  uses  of  adversity."  The  delay  enabled 
the  paymaster  to  discharge  his  indebtedness, 
and  Lieut.-Col.  Hungerford  being  one  of  those 
whose  means  were  not  abundant,  and  who  had 
the  obligation  of  wife  and  children  to  main 
tain,  was  not  averse  to  receive  from  the  Treas 
ury  what  had  now  become  due  to  him. 
29 


226  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

February  27th,  in  the  evening,  he  indites 
the  following  lines : 

"Another  'stampede.'  Just  as  I  began  to 
indulge  in  the  hope  of  winning  laurels  the  or 
der  for  our  march  at  three  o'clock  A.  M.  to-mor 
row  was  countermanded.  It  appears  from 
rumor  that  General  Banks  had  crossed  the 
upper  Potomac  and  had  been  repulsed,  and 
that  our  Division  was  to  have  supported  him ; 
other  than  this  your  informant  knows  nothing 
of  the  cause  of  the  alarm.  It  is  a  great  disap 
pointment  to  both  officers  and  men,  who  were 
eager  for  the  fray.  Everything  has  quieted 
down,  and  stillness  again  reigns  with  uninter 
rupted  sway.  The  sweet  harmony  of  peace 
we  are  in  hopes  will  soon  be  broken.  Every 
thing  tends  to,  or  appears  to,  forebode  a  for 
ward  movement  of  our  Division.  How  long 
this  '  bungling '  will  cause  delay  I  cannot  tell. 
We  were  gradually  preparing  for  such  an 
event  and  were  almost  prepared  when  the  con 
founded  news  broke  in  upon  us.  Am  glad  it 
has  turned  out  as  it  has,  for  it  will  enable  us 
to  go  on  with  our  regular  muster  to-morrow." 

Washington's  birthday,  1862,  found  the  vast 
army  awaiting  the  signal  to  move  against  the 
rebel  host.  The  ancestors  of  both  sides  had 
fought  in  a  common  cause  against  a  common 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  227 

enemy ;  that  day  saw  one-half  of  the  nation 
endeavoring  to  destroy  what  their  forefathers 
had  struggled  to  establish.  Well  might  the 
combatants  contemplate  and  pause  in  reflec 
tion  on  the  anniversary  of  the  birth  of  the  im 
mortal  Father  of  their  country.  But  if  those 
reflections  made  fatter  those  battling  under 
the  rebel  standard,  it  strengthened  the  hearts 
and  hands  of  the  heroes  enlisted  under  the 
"  Stars  and  Stripes."  Let  us  hope  that  the 
spirit  of  the  great  departed  had,  on  that  day, 
no  cognizance  of  the  scenes  being  enacted  in 
the  land  he  loved  so  well.  The  following  let 
ter,  breathing  sentiments  well  befitting  the 
day,  was  written  by  the  Lieutenant-Colonel : 

"  One  hundred  and  thirty  years  ago  to-day 
the  great  and  good  Washington  was  born.  Oh, 
with  what  indignant  scorn  must  he  look  down 
in  spiritual  vision  upon  a  portion  of  his  recre 
ant  countrymen  at  this  day  in  arms  arrayed 
in  unholy  war  against  that  which  cost  so 
much  treasure  and  blood  to  establish,  instead 
of  following  him  in  his  precepts  and  example 
and  heeding  his  wise  admonitions.  We  find 
ourselves  antagonistic,  brother  to  brother ;  how 
illy  are  we  repaying  the  loving-kindness  and 
anxious  solicitude  of  the  great  pater  patrice, 
Washington,  a  name  to  be  honored  among 
men  until  the  end  of  time. 


228  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"The  one  hundred  and  thirtieth  anniver 
sary  of  the  birth  of  Washington  has  been  most 
generally  celebrated  throughout  the  Union 
armies,  cities,  and  towns.  Various  have  been 
the  amusements  in  the  different  camps,  redo 
lent  with  jubilant  joy ;  salutes  have  been  fired 
from  the  numerous  forts  along  our  lines,  the 
reverberations  passing  hill  and  dale,  until  the 
echoes  returned  like  the  distant  roar  of 
heaven's  mighty  artillery,  and  Providence 
seemingly  smiles  her  kind  approbation  upon 
us  and  bids  us  hope.  Heaven  grant  that,  ere 
another  year  is  added  to  the  account  of  time, 
our  country  may  be  relieved  from  its  present 
distress  and  trouble,  and  that  peace,  plenty, 
and  happiness  will  have  again  resumed  their 
proper  sway,  and  reign  among  us,  and  that, 
upon  the  return  of  another  anniversary,  a 
whole  and  united  people  may  join  in  their 
thanksgivings  to  God  for  the  great  and  bene 
ficent  gift  bestowed  upon  humanity  in  the 
person  of  our  great  Washington,  whose  teach 
ings,  examples,  and  great  virtues  can  only  be 
emulated,  not  excelled." 

The  vacillation  in  the  political  course  of 
Martin  Van  Buren  had  no  charm  ;  on  the  con 
trary,  it  excited  his  complete  disgust.  Having 
a  firm  character  himself,  consistent  and  true 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD,  229 

to  his  principles,  formed  after  mature  consid 
eration,  he  loathed  wavering,  and  detested 
ingratitude. 

He  understood  soldiering  in  its  proper 
sense,  and  knowing  that  there  are  not  or 
ought  not  to  be,  any  luxuries  on  the  battlefield, 
he  did  very  little  repining  for  them,  as  is  seen 
by  what  he  wrote  at  the  time  : 

"  I  am  indeed  flattered  by  your  kindness  in 
placing  m}^  photograph  by  the  side  of  the 
illustrious  old  '  Hero  of  the  Hermitage ' ;  but 
excuse  me  if  I  fail  to  see  the  compliment  in 
being  placed  by  the  side  of  the  renegade  Mar 
tin  Van  Buren,  a  man,  after  having  been 
nurtured,  fostered,  and  made  great  by  his 
party,  and  when  that  party  most  needed  his 
services  (1848)  to  willfully,  and  with  malice  in 
his  blackened  heart,  abandon  and  desert  those 
friends  that  had  raised  him  from  the  picayune 
and  pettifogging  lawyer  of  Albany  to  the 
highest  office  in  the  gift  of  the  people.  I  can 
not  feel  complimented  or  flattered  by  being 
placed  in  the  same  gallery  with  that  ungrate 
ful  wretch.  I  would  advise  you  to  kick  either 
one  of  us  out  of  doors.  Two  such  can  have  no 
affinity.  While  I  would,  with  honor,  strive  to 
emulate  the  example  of  '  Old  Hickory,'  I,  with 
equal  honor,  scorn  the  apostatizing  ingrate  of 
Kinderhook. 


230  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"  If  the  confounded  mud  would  only  dry 
up,  we  might  have  something  cheering  to  do; 
no  doubt  an  advance  movement,  and  a  lively 
spree  with  the  enemy,  for  a  change  from  the 
dull  monotony  of  a  quiet  camp  life.  There  is 
too  much  sameness  about  our  present  style  to 
suit  me.  You  manifest  a  great  desire  to  send 
me  something  to  make  me  comfortable.  Lord 
bless  your  dear,  kind  hearts  !  I  have  too  much 
comfort  now,  more  than  I  desire;  that  is  just 
what  I  am  complaining  about.  Who  ever 
heard  of  soldiers  having  nice,  comfortable 
quarters,  and  comfortable  beds  to  sleep  in, 
and  living  upon  nice  turkey  and  chicken  ? 
Pshaw  !  This  is  all  holiday  soldiering.  Give 
me  my  blanket,  the  cold  ground  for  a  bed,  the 
heavens  above  for  a  shelter,  a  piece  of  fat  pork 
or  bacon  and  a  hard  biscuit,  and  a  chance  at 
the  enemy  once  in  a  while.  Then  I  will  think 
I  am  soldiering.  To  thunder  with  this  Miss 
Nancy  arrangement,  lumbering  up  our  trains 
with  all  such  baggage  !  The  old  fellows  of  '76 
didn't  have  such  traps  encumbering  them  and 
delaying  their  progress  for  weeks  and  months. 
I  would  not  give  a  snap  for  soldiers,  who  could 
not  be  out  in  the  pure  air  of  heaven,  and  sub 
sist  without  carrying  along  with  them  a  fash 
ionable  hotel  with  their  French  cook.  The 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFOKD.  231 

gallant  Illinoisians  are  not  bothered  with  such 
nonsense.  I  have  seen  them  at  Vera  Cruz,  and 
Cerro  Gordo,  where  they  were  lucky  if  they 
had  a  single  blanket  and  a  hunk  of  fat  pork. 
But  Lord,  how  they  did  fight !  I  wish  I  was  out 
West  among  them  now.  Didn't  they  go  in  at 
Forts  Henry  and  Donelson  ?  They  are  of  the 
right  stuff." 

His  letter  written  under  date  of  March  7, 
1862,  is  in  a  jocular  vein,  but  still  shows  that  he 
was  awaiting  the  call  to  action  with  no  quak 
ing  heart,  even  though  the  result  might  be  for 
him  a  desolate  widow  and  weeping  children  ; 
but  such  was  the  chance  of  war,  he  thought, 
and  he  had  to  abide  by  it. 

Here,  again,  events  justified  his  judgment. 
A  few  weeks  after  how  many  Union  soldiers 
had  fallen !  Sad  prophecy  for  poor,  bereaved 
families. 

"  I  am  thankful  for  your  kind  wishes  that  I 
might  have  a  fight  or  twro,  as  well  as  your 
kindly  expressed  desire  that  I  might  not  be 
wounded  or  killed.  The  former  I  don't  mind 
so  much,  if  slight,  but  I  have  no  particular 
desire  to  have  the  distinguished  honor  of  the 
latter.  However,  of  that  I  must  take  the 
soldier's  chance.  There  is  no  telling  what 
might  happen ;  there  is  more  or  less  very 


232  DANIEL    E.     IIUNGERFORD. 

careless  shooting  done  in  all  armies,  and  I 
don't  know  that  the  rebels  are  an  exception. 
I  am  pleased  to  learn  that  of  the  two  evils  you 
have  chosen  the  lesser,  retaining  me  in  your 
presence  to  the  exclusion  of  that  black-hearted, 
ungrateful  wretch,  Van  Buren.  I  feel,  as  you 
say,  'some  better.'  'Old  Hickory'  is  good 
enough  for  me,  besides  your  own  true,  honest 
faces  turned  occasionally  upon  me.  Again,  I 
feel  called  upon  to  acknowledge  your  kind 
remembrance  of  me,  when  sympathizing  with 
me,  making  my  rounds  at  the  dead  hour  of  the 
night.  Have  you  ever  seen  a  live  hour  of  the 
night  ?  I  have,  and  a  right  lively  hour,  too.  I 
think  you  are  right  in  your  opinion  that  there 
will  be  more  blood  spilled.  The  worst  has  not 
yet  been.  A  few  weeks  more,  perhaps  days, 
and  there  will  be  more  widows  and  orphans  in 
the  land. 

"  I  have  not  read  McClellan's  dream,  as  you 
ask.  I  never  knew  he  had  been  dreaming. 
When?  That  is  the  question.  Not  since  the 
Rebellion  broke  out,  for  he  has  not  been  asleep, 
as  the  rebels  will  learn  to  their  cost,  presently. 
He  has  been  too  much  occupied  in  fattening 
up  his  great  serpent,  the  '  Anaconda',  to  trust 
himself  in  the  embrace  of  Morpheus. 

"  If  Brother  Zeth  thinks  I  am  doing  noth- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  233 

ing,  he  is  quite  mistaken.  I  am  busy  from  the 
time  I  get  up  until  ten  o'clock  with  the  affairs 
of  the  regiment,  then  I  go  to  court  martial,  of 
which  I  am  a  member,  and  sit  there  until 
three  o'clock,  then  return  to  camp  and  drill  my 
regiment  until  half-past  four  o'clock ;  then 
comes  evening  parade,  after  which  one  would 
suppose  that  I  ought  to  be  pretty  well  tired 
out ;  but  there  is  no  peace  for  the  wicked.  1 
am  subjected  to  more  hard  work  with  all  the 
incidental  annoyances,  until  after  taps,  nine 
o'clock,  officers  and  men  laying  all  the  busi 
ness,  complaints,  and  troubles  before  me,  after 
which  I  am  so  tired,  confused,  and  worried 
that  I  find  consolation  in  writing,  scribbling, 
and  scrawling  these  few  unintelligible  lines  to 
you." 

The  regiment  at  last  received  the  order  to 
march,  and  gladly  all  obeyed.  But  more 
disappointments  were  on  hand.  Ordered  back 
from  Virginia  to  Camp  Brightwood,  after  a 
march  that  not  one  of  them  will  ever  forget, 
they  arrived  weary  and  sick,  but  not  disheart 
ened.  Who  can  doubt  the  bad  effects  of  such 
false  movements  ? 

He  writes,  March  i  yth  : 

"  We  returned  here  on  Saturday  night,  or 
rather,  Sunday  morning,  having  left.  Virginia 
30 


234  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

at  eight  o'clock  on  Saturday  night ;  after  one 
of  the  most  dreadful  marches  through  mud  up 
to  our  knees,  we  arrived  —  or  a  portion  of  us, 
at  least,  some  not  having  got  in  yet,  —  on 
Sunday  morning,  about  daybreak.  It  had 
been  raining  for  two  days,  though  to  call 
it  rain  is  a  libel.  It  poured.  I  thought  that 
I  had  seen  rough  weather,  but  it  is  all  a 
mistake.  I  have  seen  nothing  but  sunshine 
before.  To  attempt  a  description  would 
puzzle  the  brain  of  Fenimore  Cooper,  so  I 
will  not  undertake  the  task.  Suffices  to 
say,  that  we  all  got  as  wet  as  mortal  man 
was  ever  wet  before,  and  as  muddy  as  poor 
human  beings  well  could  be.  And  then, 
traveling  all  night  in  that  comfortable  con 
dition,  and  lying  down  in  wet  clothes  and 
blankets  —  that  is  what  you  call  the  stern 
realities  of  campaigning.  All  that  was 
necessary  to  fill  up  the  beau  ideal  was  a 
bullet  hole  through  the  body,  to  complete 
the  picture  of  the  horrors  of  war.  Caesar's 
dispatch  was  "  Veni,  vidi,  vici"  I  came,  I 
saw,  I  conquered ;  but  we  can  exclaim, 
that  we  went,  we  didn't  see  the  enemy,  and 
we  turned  around,  and  came  back  to  our 
camp,  tired,  muddy,  wet,  and  hungry.  Thus 
ended  that  brilliant  (?)  campaign,  long  to 


DAXIKL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  235 

be  remembered  by  all  who  were  unfortunate 
enough  to  be  among  the  number." 

Once  more  hopes  raised  and  dashed  to 
the  ground.  Another  order  to  march  coun 
termanded.  Really,  indeed,  these  men  were 
sorely  tried,  with  all  these  delays. 

He  writes  (March  i8th),  describing  the 
feelings  of  the  men  at  these  ill-advised 
directions  : 

"  Confound  the  luck !  The  order  for  our 
march  to-morrow  morning  at  seven  o'clock 
is  countermanded.  It  is  too  bad  to  be 
fooled  about  in  this  way,  first  dragged  into 
Virginia  through  the  mud,  and  kept  there 
several  days,  without  the  necessary  camp 
equipage,  and  then  brought  back  again 
through  the  mud  and  rain  in  a  night  as 
dark  as  pitch,  and  just  as  we  were  begin 
ning  to  feel  all  right  again,  to  be  brought 
'with  the  hope  of  leaving  to-morrow,  sure, 
then  to  have  that  hope  taken  away,  looks 
too  much  like  trifling  with  us." 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

Embarking  of  Regiment  —  On  the  Peninsula  —  Camp 
Winfield  Scott  —  Account  of  the  Affair  of  the  Ver 
mont  Regiment  at  Warwick  Creek  —  Corroboration 
by  the  Comte  de  Paris— The  Thirty-Sixth  holds  the 
Left — Fight  with  the  "Teaser"  —  Reporting  valu 
able  Information. 

CINALLY,  the  time  has  come  to  measure 
strength  with  the  enemy.  Actual  fight 
ing  was  to  take  the  place  of  drilling.  Men 
and  officers  felt  that  at  last  the  trial  was 
at  hand.  Burning  to  emulate  the  Western 
armies  in  their  glorious  victories,  they  were 
impatient  to  do  their  share  in  the  crushing 
out  of  the  Rebellion,  and,  if  the  battles  of 
that  campaign  did  not  have  the  decisive 
results  that  were  looked  for,  who  can  say 
that  the  bravery  and  gallantry  displayed 
by  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  during  those 
conflicts  were  ever  excelled  ? 

He  writes  (March  24th)  : 

"  We  will  probably  embark  on  Wednes 
day,  to  —  God  only  knows  where,  but  to 
Virginia  is  my  humble  opinion.  I  only 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  237 

hope  that  we  won't  be  long  on  board  trans 
ports.  I  am  a  pretty  good  sailor  on  dry 
land,  but  a  very  poor  soldier  at  sea.  I'll 
tell  you  how  you  may  know  where  I  am. 
It  won't  be  long  before  the  newspapers  tell 
you  where  General  Keyes  is,  then  you  will 
know  that  I  am  '  somewhar  thar,'  or  '  thar- 
abouts.'  Do  not  expect  to  hear  from  me 
often.  I  shall  be  in  hubbub  and  excitement 
of  more  moment  than  writing  letters.  We 
expect  a  severe  struggle,  but  who  can  doubt 
the  result?  That  we  will  whip  the  rebels  is 
our  firm  conviction,  but  some  of  us  will  not 
be  able  to  answer  to  our  names  at  roll  call, 
after  the  struggle  is  over.  But  such  is  war, 
and  every  one  must  take  his  chance,  doing 
his  duty  to  himself,  his  friends,  his  country, 
and  his  God.  If  it  should  be  my  fate  to 
seal  my  devotion  with  my  life,  I  hope  you 
will  reserve  a  green  spot  in  your  memory 
for  one  who  most  truly  loved  his  country, 
for  his  country's  cause." 

At  last,  on  the  Peninsula,  historic  ground, 
where  a  century  before  the  last  act  in  the 
drama  of  National  Independence  was  played, 
now  another  act  in  another  drama.  The 
supreme  test  of  Republican  government 
was  to  hold  the  scene.  The  clamor  of  the 


238  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

people  was  satisfied.  The  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  after  innumerable  difficulties,  was 
marching  on  to  Richmond.  The  battles  of 
McClellan's  campaign  were  to  bring  out 
once  more,  and  show  to  the  world,  the 
mettle  of  the  American  soldier. 

April  8,  '62,  he  says:  "We  left  Camp 
Brightwood,  on  the  twenty  -  fourth  ultimo, 
embarking  at  Washington,  and  disembark 
ing  at  the  old  town  of  Hampton,  near 
Fortress  Monroe,  and  proceeding  to  Camp 
C.  W.  Smith,  where  we  remained  three  days. 
On  the  fourth,  we  left  our  heavy  baggage 
in  camp  under  a  sufficient  guard,  and  took 
up  our  line  of  march  for  Yorktown,  expect 
ing  to  meet  with  considerable  dispute  at  a 
place  called  Young's  Mills,  where  the  ene 
my  had  a  continuous  line  of  works ;  but  for 
some  reason  best  known  to  themselves,  they 
abandoned  them  on  our  approach,  without 
firing  a  gun.  From  all  appearances  they 
had  occupied  the  positions  all  winter  with 
a  considerable  force.  They  had  constructed 
comfortable  quarters.  To-night  will  be  the 
third  night  that  we  sleep  here.  Yesterday 
and  the  day  before  there  was  some  skir 
mishing  ;  we  have  taken  several  prisoners, 
and  gained  a  deal  of  information,  both  as 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  239 

regards  the  enemy's  position  and  strength 
and  the  topography  of  the  country.  About 
three  miles  to  our  front  is  a  creek ;  upon 
the  opposite  bank,  extending  at  (it  is  sup 
posed)  a  distance  .of  three  or  four  miles, 
are  the  rebel  batteries.  Our  pickets  and 
the  rebels  exchanged  frequent  shots  across, 
while  we  were  engaged  in  repairing  the 
works  and  making  new  ones.  We  expect  to 
make  the  attack  the  day  after  to-morrow. 
The  enemy  frequently  fired  upon  our  fa 
tigue  and  reconnoitering  with  shell,  to  which 
our  parties  pay  little  attention,  but  continue 
their  task  with  astonishing  coolness.  We 
have  been  for  the  past  five  days  on  a 
very  short  allowance  of  provisions,  but,  as 
to  that,  we  are  being  relieved.  I  have  had 
but  the  half  of  a  blanket,  and  a  horse- 
blanket  at  that,  for  five  nights,  our  bag 
gage  trains  having  failed  to  connect ;  and 
three  days  out  of  the  five  it  rained  like 
the  deluge  to  assist  us  in  our  trouble  ;  but, 
notwithstanding  all  that,  we  have  not  a 
sick  man  on  the  list.  This  shows  what 
the  boys  will  do  and  stand  when  they 
have  a  chance." 

•"  What  is   being   done  by    the  other  corps 
d'  armee,   I   do   not  know,    but   suppose  each 


240  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

is  playing  its  alloted  part.  We  are  full  of 
confidence,  and  a  few  days  will  tell  which 
army  is  the  best." 

On  April  igth,  writing  from  Camp  Win- 
field  Scott,  near  Yorktown,  Va.,  he  says : 

"  Yesterday  morning  we  changed  our 
position  about  a  mile  closer  to  Warwick 
River.  We  are  within  reach  of  the  ene 
my's  guns,  but  he  has  not  discovered  us, 
the  thick  woods  concealing  us  from  his 
view.  Our  works  have  been  progressing 
slowly  ;  the  roads  are  miserable,  but  are 
improving,  the  weather  having  been,  for 
the  past  two  or  three  days,  more  favora 
ble.  The  day  before  yesterday,  one  of  the 
Vermont  regiments  lost  about  eighty  men, 
killed  and  wounded.  They  charged  across 
a  creek  and  swamp,  and  succeeded  in  gain 
ing  the  enemy's  advanced  work  (rifle  pit), 
holding  it  for  more  than  an  hour  and  a 
half ;  but  they  were  compelled  to  abandon 
it  for  the  want  of  proper  support.  While 
in  the  act  of  retiring,  the  rebels  opened  upon 
them  from  their  upper  works,  causing  the 
loss  they  sustained.  General  Smith  is  much 
censured  for  ordering  the  assault,  and  then 
not  supporting  it  properly.  He  will  proba 
bly  be  placed  under  arrest,  and,  from  what 


DANIEL    E.    HUXGERFORD.  241 

I  can  learn,  there  appears  to  be  just  ground 
for  censuring  him.  Our  artillery  keeps 
firing  at  intervals  during  the  day,  as  I  sup 
pose,  for  the  double  purpose  of  distracting 
the  enemy's  attention  from  our  working 
parties,  and  of  ascertaining  their  calibre  and 
position. 

.  "Rain  is  falling,  and  I  am  afraid  that  the 
roads  will  be  horrible  again  by  to-morrow. 
The  ground  is  low  and  marshy,  and  most  of 
our  roads  being  newly  made,  a  little  rain 
renders  them  almost  impassable.  The  bad 
roads  in  California  are  nowhere  in  compar 
ison  with  these.  All  of  our  stores,  supplies, 
and  artillery  have  to  be  brought  over  these 
roads,  and  when  two  or  three  thousand 
heavy  wagons  have  passed  over  them,  I 
assure  you  they  are  not  much  improved. 
We  will  not  be  prepared  to  commence  final 
operations  before  the  latter  part  of  next 
week.  It  is  reported  in  camp  that  the  en 
emy  sent  over  a  flag  of  truce  to-day,  ask 
ing  permission  to  bury  their  dead,  which 
shows  their  loss  thus  far  must  greatly  ex 
ceed  ours.  I  can  give  you  no  description 
of  their  position  or  works,  for  I  do  not 
leave  my  own  brigade,  fearing  that,  in  my 
absence,  my  regiment  might  be  called  upon 
31 


242  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

to  change  position.  I  have,  however,  been 
several  times  in  front,  while  officer  of  the 
day,  and  will  probably  be  so  again  to-mor 
row  ;  but  I  can  see  only  a  small  part  of 
their  extensive  line  of  defense.  1  have  already 
written  you  of  the  enemy's  taking  a  pop  at 
me  while  visiting  my  guards.  Since  then,  I 
have  not  been  in  any  particular  danger. 
Your  kind  advice  for  me  to  take  care  of 
myself  reminds  me  of  the  woman  who  cau 
tioned  her  son  not  to  go  near  the  water 
until  he  had  learned  to  swim.  I  am  afraid 
if  I  should  follow  your  suggestion  that  it 
would  not  redound  to  my  honor,  nor  be 
creditable  to  my  family.  I  do  not  expect  to 
be  rash  or  desperately  daring,  nor  do  I  care 
simply  to  do  my  duty.  I  would  not  give  a 
fig  for  a  million  soldiers  who  would  do  only 
their  duty  and  no  more.  Circumstances 
very  frequently  require  that  one's  duty  must 
be  exceeded  ;  these  circumstances  with  me, 
however,  have  not  yet  b.een  made  apparent. 
When  they  present  themselves,  it  is  time 
enough  to  act  as  their  necessities  would  ap 
pear  to  demand." 

What  he  states  in  the  preceding  letter  is 
fully  corroborated  by  the  Comte  de  Paris.  In 
his  "History  of  the  Civil  War,"  Vol.  II,  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  243 

Comte  says :  "  On  the  sixteenth  of  April, 
towards  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  four 
companies  of  the  Third  Vermont,  supported 
by  the  fire  of  twenty-two  cannon,  which  had 
already  dismantled  two  of  the  three  guns  in 
the  enemy's  work,  bravely  rushed  to  the  as 
sault  of  that  work.  The  Federals,  .bravely 
crossing  Warwick  Creek  with  great  boldness, 
below  the  dam,  took  possession  of  the  breast 
works  which  commanded  it,  after  an  engage 
ment  in  which  they  put  to  flight  two  regi 
ments  of  the  enemy  —  the  Fifteenth  North 
Carolina  and  the  Sixteenth  Georgia.  The  most 
difficult  part  of  the  task  was  accomplished, 
a  foothold  having  been  obtained  on  the 
other  side  of  the  creek ;  all  that  remained  to 
be  done  was  to  take  advantage  of  the  sur 
prise  of  the  enemy  to  push  regiment  after 
regiment  as  rapidly  as  possible  across  the 
ford  to  pass  beyond  the  breastworks,  to  take 
possession  of  the  redoubts,  and  thus  to 
pierce  the  enemy's  line;  but  the  generals  of 
various  grades  who  had  organized  this  dem 
onstration  had  failed  to  agree  beforehand 
as  to  the  importance  it  was  to  assume,  and 
much  precious  time  was  lost.  For  an  hour 
the  foremost  assailants  exhausted  themselves 
without  receiving  any  other  reinforcements 


244  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

than  five  or  six  hundred  men  of  the  Fourth 
or  Sixth  Vermont  The  enemy  took  advan 
tage  of  this  delay  to  mass  all  his  available 
forces  upon  the  point  menaced  ;  that  is  to 
say,  more  than  two  divisions.  The  small 
body  of  Federal  troops  could  not  attack  the 
redoubt,  where  the  Confederates  were  increas 
ing  in  number  at  every  instant  ;  but  they 
made  a  stubborn  defense  in  the  breastworks 
they  had  conquered.  Being  finally  over 
whelmed  by  numbers  they  were  obliged  to 
retire  and  recross  the  river.  This  unfortu 
nate  affair  produced  a  sad  impression  on 
the  minds  of  the  soldiers  who  had  seen  their 
comrades  sacrified  without  any  orders  being 
given  to  go  to  their  assistance." 

In  the  next  letter  from  Camp  Winfield 
Scott,  near  Yorktown,  May  i,  1862,  it  is  easily 
seen  the  opinion  held  of  the  Thirty-sixth 
by  General  Keyes,  when  he  ordered  this 
regiment  to  hold  the  extreme  left.  The 
Lieutenant-Colonel  complains,  though,  that 
he  cannot  be  in  the  thick  of  the  fight,  and 
so  is  rather  disappointed.  He  describes  the 
situation. 

"  I  wrote  you  about  the  '  stampede '  we 
had  on  that  dreadful  night,  the  second  day 
after  we  were  ordered  to  Young's  Mills, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  245 

which  is  the  extreme  left  of  General  Mc- 
Clellan's  Grand  Army  of  the  Potomac.  The 
Thirty-sixth  has  the  honor  of  holding  this 
position.  It  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  War 
wick  River,  on  the  James.  We  have  a 
battery  of  four  Parrott  guns,  supported  by 
companies  from  my  regiment.  On  the 
twenty-eighth,  the  rebel  gunboat  Teazer, 
and  a  companion,  paid  us  a  visit  at  the 
battery,  where  I  was  in  command.  They 
threw  us  fifteen  shell,  and  three  solid  shot, 
which  did  us  no  harm,  being  too  high.  I 
did  not  answer  them,  as  my  battery  was 
too  light  to  inflict  any  injury,  and  I  did 
not  want  to  expose  my  weakness.  I  pre 
pared,  however,  to  dispute  any  attempt  at 
landing.  General  Keyes  complimented  me 
for  my  forethought,  and,  as  he  expressed  it, 
coolness  in  receiving  the  enemy's  fire,  with 
out  returning  it,  he  being  fearful  that  we 
had  returned  it,  and  thus  exposed  our 
calibre.  I  asked  to  be  supplied  with  two 
heavy  guns,  but,  up  to  the  present,  they 
are  not  forthcoming.  Had  I  had  them  at 
the  proper  time,  I  should  have  sunk  the 
Teazer,  and  put  a  stop  to  her  annoyance. 
For  the  past  week  I  have  had  a  rather 
hard  experience  of  it,  being  in  the  saddle 


246  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

eighteen  out  of  the  twenty-four  hours  per 
day.  Last  night  I  had  the  first  good  sleep 
in  a  long  time. 

"It  is  said  that  Our  besieging  works  are 
progressing  about  Yorktown,  but  how,  God 
only  knows.  I  have  heard  and  read  of 
things  being  done,  but  —  that's  all.  I  am 
considerably  disgusted  with  these  great, 
ignorant,  blundering,  idle,  petty,  political, 
intriguing,  homeopathic  generals  and  preach 
ing  colonels. 

"  We  have  the  intelligence  of  the  taking 
of  New  Orleans.  It  will  be  some  time 
before  )^ou  hear  of  a  similar  result  at  York- 
town,  and  if  such  a  thing  should  be  easily 
done,  you  may  expect  to  hear  of  General 
McDowell's  being  defeated,  which  would 
not  surprise  me  in  the  least.  The  enemy 
are  doing  something  upon  their  right,  which 
would  indicate  the  withdrawal  of  consider 
able  part  of  their  force.  For  what  purpose 
is  of  course  surmise,  but  I  should  judge 
that  it  may  be  for  the  purpose  of  reinforc 
ing  Johnson  or  Jackson,  and  giving  battle 
to  McDowell  or  Banks,  with  the  intention 
of  leaving  Yorktown.  They  need  a  victory 
at  any  cost,  particularly  now,  in  order  to 
give  ,them  prestige.  Time  alone  can  give 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  247 

us  the  knowledge  of  what  their  movements 
are  intended  for.  1  have  reported  this 
already,  but  yet  there  is  no  attempt  to 
frustrate  or  prevent  them. 

"  My  business  is  to  prevent  the  enemy 
landing  and  turning  our  left  flank.  The 
position  I  hold  is  a  very  honorable  one, 
but  there  is  not  much  glory  to  be  won.  I 
am  afraid  it  is  not  very  probable  that  the 
enemy  will  attempt  a  landing.  We  only 
wish  he  would  ;  it  would  give  us  something 
to  do  besides  watching  that  he  doesn't." 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Hungerford  on  April 
3oth  reported  to  division  headquarters,  the 
substance  of  that  to  which  reference  is  made 
in  his  letter  of  May  i,  1862.  As  he  predicted, 
Shields  and  Banks  were  defeated  and  York- 
town  was  evacuated.  Ye  ,  although  the 
preparations  for  evacuations  were  reported 
at  the  time,  this  important  and  most  valu 
able  information  was  not  acted  upon :  no 
advantage  whatever  was  taken  of  his  dis 
covery.  Did  it  ever  reach  the  ears  of .  Gen 
eral  McClellan  ?  If  not,  why  not  ?  Who 
is  to  blame?  No  historian  has  ever  made 
mention  of  this,  but  it  is  here  placed  on 
record  to  show  the  vigilance  of  this  volun 
teer  officer,  and  the  incompetence  of  one, 


248  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

or  some,  of  the  so-called  generals  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac.  On  this  point,  the 
Comte  de  Paris,  in  his  second  volume  of 
the  "History  of  the  Civil  War"  says: 
"This  movement  (the  evacuation)  had  been 
determined  upon  since  the  thirtieth  of  April 
at  a  council  of  war  held  in  Yorktown  by 
Jefferson  Davis,  Lee,  Johnson,  and  McGru- 
der."  It  had  been,  therefore,  reported  b}^ 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hungerford  the  exact 
day  it  had  been  decided  upon.  Our  army 
knew  then  of  the  first  preparation  of  the 
Confederates,  and  that  on  the  very  day  the 
movement  began. 

In  writing,  May  fifth,  the  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  again  speaks  of  the  information 
he  reported : 

"  I  have  already  written  you  that  my 
regiment  is  occupying  on  the  extreme  left 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  also  of  the 
shelling"  I  received  from  the  rebel  gunboat 
Teazer.  General  McClellan  ordered  an  im 
mediate  advance  this  morning,  he  hav 
ing  ascertained  for  himself  that  the  enemy 
were  evacuating  Yorktown.  I  had  reported 
this  on  the  thirtieth  of  April,  but  no  notice 
was  taken  of  it.  The  light  cavalry  and 
light  batteries  were  sent  in  pursuit  of  the 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  249 

fugitives.  This  morning  considerable  firing 
has  been  heard  in  the  direction  of  York- 
town  and  apparently  upon  the  York  River. 
Situated  as  my  regiment  is,  we  can  only 
surmise  what  it  is  that  our  gunboats  are 
shelling  out  the  rebel  batteries  above  and 
opposite  Yorktown.  I  am  left  in  a  fix  with 
my  regiment.  This  movement  of  the  rebels, 
and  pursuit  by  our  army,  leaves  us  at 
Young's  Mills  as  a  guard  to  keep  open  our 
land  communication,  while  the  army  pushes 
forward  to  win  glory.  I  know  that  it  is 
very  necessary  for  some  one  to  be  along 
the  line  of  communication,  but,  as  I  have 
said  before,  it  is  very  hard  that  it  should 
be  my  luck  to  be  that  one." 

In  a  letter  from  Camp  Bottom  Bridge, 
Va.,  May  22d,  he  describes  his  important  op 
erations  on  the  preceding  day.  It  is  evident 
that  it  matters  but  little  to  him  whether  he 
obtained  any  recognition  for  his  services. 
To  do  his  duty,  and  let  the  rest  take  care 
of  itself  without  the  aid  of  newspaper  or 
other  puffing,  was  his  idea  of  a  soldier's  con 
duct. 

"  Yesterday  I  was  placed  in  command  of 
about  a  thousand  men  to  support  a  recon 
naissance.  Crossing  the  Chickahominy,  at  the 
32 


250  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

bridge  recently  destroyed  by  the  rebels,  I 
pursued  a  by-road  for  nearly  two  miles  ; 
the  road,  for  the  greater  part  of  the  way, 
passing  through  a  dense  wood,  suddenly 
converging  upon  an  open  field,  where,  in 
front  of  and  facing  the  road,  I  discovered 
the  enemy's  pickets.  I  drove  them  into  the 
opposite  woods,  when  the  enemy  opened 
upon  me,  with  shell  from  a  small  howitzer, 
and  with  their  carbines.  They,  fortunately 
firing  high,  did  no  damage;  but  they  were 
not  so  fortunate,  as  we  unsaddled  four  of 
them.  I  should  have  pursued  them  still  fur 
ther,  but  I  did  not  wish  to  disobey  orders ; 
as  it  was,  I  exceeded  my  instructions ;  but 
the  happy  termination  of  the  affair  covered 
all  criminality. 

"The  reconnaissance  was  satisfactory,  and 
valuable  information  gained.  The  ground  I 
obtained  was  held  during  the  night;  and, 
this  morning,  we  commenced  some  field 
works  to  sustain  the  position.  This  being 
my  first  chance,  I  determined  to  take  a  little 
extra  responsibility ;  and,  although  perfectly 
satisfactory  to  all  concerned,  it  will  not  be 
made  much  of.  I  am  afraid  it  will  not  be 
blazoned  through  the  columns  of  the  news 
papers.  However,  that  makes  no  difference  ; 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  251 

I  am  used  to  it,  and  can  stand  it.  It  doesn't 
lessen  my  zeal  in  the  least. 

"As  for  what  will  happen  in  the  vicinity 
of  Richmond  I  can  form  no  idea.  There  are 
all  kinds  of  rumors  here  ;  if  we  have  a  bat 
tle  at  all,  it  will  be  a  terrible  one;  but,  after 
the  evacuation  of  such  places  as  Yorktown 
and  Williamsburg,  it  is  impossible  to  say 
what  they  will  do.  We  may  be  before  Rich 
mond  two,  three,  or  four  weeks,  without 
anything  like  a  battle  being  fought.  If  we 
find  the  enemy  strongly  fortified,  and  will 
make  a  stand,  we  will  then  no  doubt  com 
mence  a  regular  siege.  These  things  cannot 
be  accomplished  in  a  moment.  They  require 
time.  It  takes  time  to  reconnoitre,  establish 
batteries,  get  up  supplies,  and  do  a  thou 
sand  other  things  that  the  public  don't  un 
derstand.  '  On  to  Richmond,'  is  easily  said, 
but  not  so  very  easy  to  carry  into  execu 
tion." 

This  action  of  his  in  crossing  the  bridge 
was,  however,  too  important  and  too  meri 
torious  to  be  passed  over  without  notice.  A 
New  York  pictorial  publication,  in  giving  an 
account  of  the  affair,  says  :  "  On  the  twenty- 
first  of  May,  1862,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hun- 
gerford  crossed  the  Chickahominy  in  com- 


252  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

matid  of  about  fifteen  hundred  men  at  Bot 
tom  Bridge,  and  had  a  brisk  skirmish  with 
the  enemy.  They  held  their  ground  until 
relieved  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty- 
second."  A  picture  of  the  troops  crossing 
the  bridge  accompanies  the  account.  In  his 
letter  it  is  apparent  how  clearly  and  accu 
rately  he  gauged  the  situation  of  the  army, 
and  what  would  result,  all  of  which  really 
did  come  to  pass. 


CHAPTER   IX. 

Reporting  Longstreet's  Movements. —  Battle  of  Fair  Oaks. 
-Fighting  in  the  Rifle -Pits. —  Every  shot  told. —  Re 
porting  'to  General  Peck.  —  Visiting  the  Scene  of  the 
Fight.  —  Oak  Grove.  —  Jackson's  Movement.  —  Gaines's 
Mill.  —  Frazier's  Farm.  —  Glendale.  —  Malvern  Hill.  — 
Capture  of  the  Flags  of  the  Fourteenth  Alabama  by 
the  Thirty-Sixth  New  York.  —  Official  Records. 

On  the  thirtieth  of  May,  Lieutenant-Col 
onel  Hungerford,  always  watchful  and  keen- 
sighted,  was  on  duty,  as  field  officer  of  the 
day.  That  day  he  reported  to  Generals  Dev- 
ens  and  Couch  that  the  rebel  General  Long- 
street,  with  his  division,  had  passed  down 
between  White  Oak  Swamp  and  the  James 
River.  This  was  information  of  the  most 
valuable  kind  ;  and  he,  knowing  full  well  its 
importance,  and  feeling  that  some  move  of 
the  enemy  was  in  contemplation,  delivered 
the  information  in  person  to  General  Couch. 
By  reference  to  the  Comte  de  Paris's  work 
on  the  Civil  War,  Vol.  II,  it  is  there  stated 
that  "  on  the  thirtieth  the  necessary  in 
structions  were  given  the  Confederate  Com- 


254  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

mander  Johnson  for  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks." 
It  would  appear,  however,  that  his  vigilance 
was  once  more  to  go  without  reward.  The 
information  never  went  any  further,  and  no 
attempt  was  .made  to  frustrate  whatever 
may  have  been  Longstreet's  design.  On  the 
following  day  Longstreet  retraced  his  steps 
and  surprised  Casey  at  the  head  of  the 
swamp.  Sweeping  his  pickets  before  him, 
the  rebel  hordes  fell  on  the  Unionists  and 
ruthlessly  cut  them  down ;  although  the  lat 
ter  fought  like  tigers,  they  could  not  con 
tend  against  the  overnumbering  thousands. 
This  brought  on  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks. 
General  McClellan  did  not  even  know  that 
a  battle  was  raging,  and  the  booming  of  the 
cannon  was  the  first  intimation  he  had  of 
it ;  but,  if  the  report  of  the  field  officer  of 
the  day  had  been  forwarded  to  his  head 
quarters,  as  it  should  have  been,  it  would 
have  obviated  his  telegram  to  General  Keyes 
during  the  battle  next  day,  inquiring  what 
"all  that  firing  was  for?" 

The  Lieutenant-Colonel  had  done  his  full 
duty  in  reporting  to  his  division  head 
quarters.  Had  he  gone  further  he  would 
have  violated  military  etiquette,  but  he 
little  thought  at  the  time  it  would  never 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  255 

get  beyond  there.  It  may  well  be  asked 
on  whom  shall  the  blame  fall  for  not 
communicating  the  information  to  General 
McClellan's  headquarters  ?  There  can  be 
but  one  answer, — surely  on  General  Couch. 
How  much  the  difficulty  of  General  Mc 
Clellan's  command  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  was  increased  by  incidents  similar 
to  the  one  just  related,  but  few  know. 

Jn  this  battle  the  Thirty-sixth  New  York 
Volunteers  were  ordered  to  the  front  to 
occupy  some  unfinished  rifle  pits  on  the 
right  of  the  Williamsburg  road.  Only  three 
of  the  companies  could  be  sheltered;  the 
remaining  seven  companies  were  all  ex 
posed,  lying  upon  the  ground  in  line  of 
battle,  that  being  the  second  line.  The  first 
line  was  hotly  engaged,  all  the  overshot 
reaching  them.  During  the  engagement 
General  Keyes  came  in  rear  of  the  Thirty- 
sixth  and,  dismounting,  threw  himself  upon 
the  ground  saying  in  a  loud  tone  which 
was  heard  by  almost  everybody,  "This  is 
my  favorite  line,  and  I  want  you  to  hold 
it  to  the  last."  Encouraged  by  the  confi 
dence  thus  placed  in  them  the  gallant 
Thirty-sixth  cried  out,  "We  will,  General," 
in  a  tone  that  fully  showed  their  grim 


256  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

determination  to  do  it  or  die.  Upon  his 
retiring,  one  of  the  soldiers  of  the  Thirty- 
sixth  found  a  despatch,  which  he  had 
dropped.  It  being  open,  the  contents  were 
seen  to  be  "What  is  all  that  firing  for?'1 
and  signed  "  McClellan."  It  was  given  to 
Colonel  Innes,  who  was  commanding  the 
brigade,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hungerford  be 
ing  in  command  of  the  regiment. 

The  battle  raged  all  day,  both  sides 
fighting  with  desperation  and  frenzy.  About 
three  o'clock  the  enemy  appeared  on  the 
right  front,  passing  through  an  extensive 
clump  of  fallen  timber.  Two  regiments 
were  in  line  of  battle  on  a  cross  road,  and 
a  little  in  the  right  and  rear  of  the  position 
held  by  the  Thirty-sixth.  A  light  battery 
of  six  Napoleons  had  previously  been  posted 
higher  on  a  rising  ground,  and  was  firing 
over  the  Thirty-sixth.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hungerford,  seeing  the  rebels  advancing, 
with  his  three  right  companies,  the  only 
ones  he  could  use  unless  a  change  of  front 
was  made,  and  confident  that  he  could  beat 
back  the  enemy,  and  himself  full  of  ardor 
for  the  struggle,  he  turned  round,  expecting 
to  see  the  six  Napoleons  belching  forth  and 
the  two  regiments  already  mentioned  con- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  257 

tributing  their  support ;  hut  he  saw  neither. 
They  had  vanished.  "  Some  one  had  blun 
dered."  Another  mistake  to  be  added  to 
the  long  roll.  Dumbstruck,  he  had  to  see 
the  rebels  advancing  until  they  had  flanked 
the  Thirty-sixth,  and  gained  the  ground 
from  which  the  two  regiments  had  been 
withdrawn.  He,  however,  continued  to  fight 
against  the  fearful  odds,  his  well-trained 
men  dealing  a  destructive  fire  to  their  out 
numbering  opponents.  In  the  meantime, 
Hungerford  sent  his  adjutant  to  General 
Keyes,  to  report  that  his  flank  was  turned, 
and  to  ask  for  instructions.  The  adjutant, 
returning,  brought  the  order  to  retire,  which 
was  done  in  perfect  order ;  and,  in  going  a 
distance  of  about  one  thousand  yards,  he 
fired  three  effective  volleys  from  his  regi 
mental  line,  to  show  that  the  Thirty-sixth 
were  still  there,  even  if  ordered  to  -retire. 
In  falling  back  on  a  wood,  he  discovered 
General  Peck  with  two  or  three  of  his  staff, 
to  whom  he  reported,  as  follows : 

"I   have  the  honor   to   report   the   Thirty- 
sixth    New    York    Volunteers    well    in    hand, 
and    I    ask    for   orders."      General    Peck   was ' 
greatly  agitated,  and   he  excitedly  answered, 
"I  have  110   orders   to  give,   I   have   had   my 

33 


258  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

horse  shot  under  me."  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hungerford,  surprised  at  the  reply,  and 
hardly  understanding  the  fact  of  a  General 
having  no  orders  to  give  under  such  cir 
cumstances,  again  asked  for  orders,  saying, 
"  General,  give  me  an  order  of  some  kind," 
to  which  the  latter  replied,  "  You  must  do 
the  best  you  can,  I  have  had  my  horse 
shot  under  me."  "You  said  that  before, 
General.  I  propose  to  fall  back  on  the  saw 
mill  opening,  and  there  make  a  stand,"  was 
the  Lieutenant-Colonel's  response.  Hastily 
he  returned  to  his  regiment.  Arriving 
there,  he  saw  on  the  road  masses  of  strag 
glers.  Ordering  immediately  his  right  com 
pany  across  the  road,  he  blocked  it  and 
allowed  none  but  the  wounded  to  pass. 
There  in  the  heat  of  battle,  and  in  almost 
less  time  than  it  takes  to  record  it,  he 
organized  the  stragglers,  appointed  officers, 
and,  instead  of  a  flying  mob,  there  were  in 
a  few  minutes  fifteen  hundred  formed  men 
in  line.  Soon  after,  General  Phil.  Kearney 
and  General  Peck  came  up,  the  latter  more 
tranquil,  as  he  had  secured  a  horse. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hungerford  reported  this 
time  to  General  Kearney  (he  being  the 
senior)  as  having  collected  fifteen  hundred 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  259 

men,  and  again  asked  for  orders.  But  he 
was  disappointed  again,  for  General  Kear 
ney  ordered  him  to  retire  to  the  second 
line  of  intrenchments,  having  gathered 
three  regimental  colors.  These  men  were 
distributed  along  and  through  the  line  of 
intrenchments,  by  order  of  Colonel  Innes. 
General  Peck  does  the  gallant  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  a  great  injustice,  in  his  report  of 
the  day's  work.  The  General  claims  to 
have  collected  himself  fifteen  hundred  strag 
glers  from  various  regiments,  but  the  fact 
is  that  he  did  not  collect  a  man.  It  was 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hungerford  that  did  it, 
and  the  stragglers  were  from  Peck's  own 
brigade,  the  general  who  had  his  horse  shot 
under  him,  and  who  had  no  orders  to  give. 
The  memory  of  General  Peck  may  be  at 
fault,  but  even  making  full  allowance  for 
the  excited  state  of  mind  he  was  in,  it 
should  not  have  been  very  difficult  to 
remember  to  whom  the  honor  and  credit 
were  justly  due,  instead  of  attributing  it  to 
his  own  -self,  who  was  engaged  in  catching 
a  horse,  and  not  organizing  stragglers. 

The  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  bloody  and  in 
decisive,  nevertheless  led  to  important  re 
sults.  Though  but  a  few  thousands  were 


260  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

engaged  on  each  side,  it  had,  notwithstand 
ing,  the  proportions  of  a  great  battle.  Some 
parts  of  the  field  were  won  and  lost  three 
times.  From  every  section  of  the  battle 
ground  came  accounts  of  great  bravery  and 
heroism  ;  and  if,  as  the  Confederates  say, 
some  of  their  generals,  by  not  arriving  at 
the  time,  or  not  arriving  at  all,  compromised 
the  success  of  their  operations,  surely  the 
Federals  have  a  right  to  say,  that  the  inac 
tion  of  half  their  army  had  prevented  them 
from  turning  it  into  a  great  victory  for  the 
Union  arms  ;  but  a  discussion  of  the  battles, 
though  interesting,  is  not  apropos  here ;  it 
is  to  follow  the  Thirty-sixth,  and  the  part 
that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hungerford  took,  that 
these  lines  are  concerned  with. 

The  Comte  de  Paris,  in  treating  of  the 
losses  on  both  sides,  says  : 

"  The  heaviest  losses  on  both  sides  were 
sustained  around  Seven  Pines  ;  those  of 
Longstreet  and  Hill  amounted  to  more  than 
three  thousand,  those  of  Keyes  to  three  thou 
sand  one  hundred  and  twenty  men."  Can 
stronger  testimony  be  quoted  ?  The  Thirty- 
sixth  was  one  of  the  few  regiments  that  did 
not  throw  their  ammunition  away  in  inac 
curate  firing.  The  Lieutenant-Colonel  had 


DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD.  261 

drilled  them  too  well  for  that.     He  was  always 
impressing   on   his   men    that   each   cartridge 
fired   was    worth    exactly   six    cents,   and    to 
waste    any    was    certainly    a    crime.     Indeed 
they  had  taken  his  lesson  so  much  to  heart 
that  in  the  actual  fighting  their  bloody  work 
showed    how   well    they    had    profited   by  it. 
Two   days,   after  the   battle,  when   he  visited 
the   scene   of   his  part   of   the   fight   in  order 
to  ascertain  how  his  men  had  fired,  he  knew 
they  had   done   well,   but   he   was  astonished 
to   see  such  a  remarkable  result.     He  exam 
ined  carefully   the   entire  area  in   the  range 
of  firing  which   was  thickly  wooded,  and   he 
could    find    only    three    shot    marks    on    the 
trees  above  a  man's  height,  while  the  trunks 
were     notched     all    over    by    the     chippings 
caused   by   the   bullets.     This  certainly  gave 
abundant   proof   of   the  execution   caused   by 
the  fire  of  his  men.    Besides,  there  were  still 
lying   on   the  ground   twenty-seven   unburied 
bodies    of    the    killed   rebels.     They   had   not 
yet  been  carried  off  the   field.     The   average 
casualties  being  five  wounded  to  one   killed, 
what    must    have    been    the    loss    sustained 
from   the    deadly    aim   of    the    Thirty-sixth? 
Well   might    the    Comte   de    Paris   state   that 
the   severest  fighting   was  at  the  point  occu 
pied   by  the   Thirty-sixth  about  Seven  Pines. 


262  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

After  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  bad 
weather  set  in.  General  McClellan's  plan  of 
advancing  step  by  step,  and  fighting  if  nec 
essary  to  gain  those  steps,  was  still  the 
general  plan  of  operations.  But  to  move  re 
quired  good  weather.  Thousands  of  men, 
artillery  trains,  etc.,  cannot  be  set  in  motion 
like  pieces  on  a  chess-board.  At  last  every 
thing  was  ready.  Though  exposed  to  swamp 
and  typhoid  fever,  and  a  prey  to  the  deadly 
climate,  the  men  had  confidence  in  their 
commander,  and  were  not  discouraged.  In 
the  next  battle  they  were  to  meet  a  reorgan 
ized  army,  strengthened  by  fresh  combatants, 
under  a  new  commander  (Lee),  assisted  by 
the  idol  of  the  Confederacy  and  the  terror 
of  the  North,  Stonewall  Jackson.  Stewart, 
the  famous  cavalry  leader,  at  the  head  of  a 
column,  had  made  a  movement  against  the 
Union  forces  with  the  idea  of  gaining  inform 
ation  and  befogging  the  mind  of  the  Union 
commander  with  regard  to  the  ultimate 
plans  of  Lee.  In  both  he  succeeded,  though 
his  attack  was  beaten  off  in  consequence  of 
his  having  attacked  a  railroad  train.  The 
occupants  spread  the  news,  with  the  effect 
of  sending  the  Union  cavalry  in  pursuit, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  263 

forcing  his  retreat.  McClellan,  being  de 
ceived  as  to  the  real  size  of  the  force  hold 
ing  Richmond,  was  settled  in  his  conviction 
that  the  Confederate  Capital  would  have  to 
be  taken  by  a  slow  siege.  The  battle  of 
Oak  Grove  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  June,  a 
minor  engagement  fought  with  the  purpose 
of  securing  a  more  favorable  position  for 
his  left  wing,  (for  he  was  preparing  to  ex 
tend  it,)  made  him  feel  that  some  move  of 
great  importance  was  contemplated  by  the 
Confederates.  Their  feeble  defense  of  Oak 
Grove  made  him  suspicious.  He  determined 
to  feel  the  enemy  with  his  left  ;  but  Lee, 
upon  that  very  day,  had  agreed  with  Jack 
son  to  attack  McClellan's  right.  The  latter 
had  deceived  the  Federals  as  to  the  destina 
tion  of  his  troops.  They  thought  he  would 
attack  Fremont.  No  one  supposed  that  the 
right  flank  of  the  army  of  the  Potomac  was 
the  point  to  be  struck  at;  but,  just  before 
the  attack  was  made,  McClellan  had  divined 
his  intentions.  Jackson  had  escaped  the 
three  Union  armies.  One  more  failure  Mc 
Clellan  had  to  shoulder  and  make  the  best 
of;  but  he  did  not  falter.  He  met  it  by 
the  force  of  his  military  genius,  and  strat 
egic  ability. 


264  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

Gaines's  Mill  was  fought  ;  though  taken 
at  a  disadvantage,  -McClellan  was  not  sur 
prised.  Keyes,  in  whose  division  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  Hungerford  was,  occupied  the 
vicinity  of  Bottom's  Bridge,  and  the  road 
which  crosses  the  swamp  near  its  entrance. 
The  Lieutenant  -  Colonel  did  not  lead  his 
men,  being  field  officer  of  the  da}7,  but  they 
again  distinguished  themselves  ;  though  at 
Malvern  Hill  when  under  him,  they  were  to 
win  greater  glory,  by  making  one  of  the 
most  gallant  charges  of  the  war.  The  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel,  as  field  officer  of  the  day  dur 
ing  Gaines's  Mill,  was  here,  there,  and  every 
where,  receiving  and  giving  orders,  and  in 
general  doing  everything  that  one  in  his  po 
sition  could  do.  If  he  was  not  at  the  head 
of  his  men,  he  had  the  proud  satisfaction  of 
knowing  that  they  were  all  fighting  with 
ardor  and  bravery. 

After  Gaines's  Mill  it  was  McClellan's  turn 
to  deceive  the  Confederates.  The  prepara 
tions  for  the  retreat  were  so  quietly  made, 
and  masked  so  effectually,  that  the  enemy 
were  not  aware  of  the  movement,  nor  did 
they  suspect  that  it  was  the  James  that  Mc 
Clellan  was  falling  back  upon.  This  de 
sign  of  McClellan's  they  had  not  fathomed. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  265 

When  they  did  discover  the  retreat,  they  de 
termined  to  follow  and  give  battle.  On  the 
thirtieth  of  June,  Frazier's  Farm  and  Glen- 
dale  were  fought.  In  the  latter,  the  rebels 
were  superior  in  force,  but  in  both  engage 
ments  the  rebels  were  beaten  back.  Lee 
was  being  outwitted  by  McClellan.  The 
masterly  retreat  was  saving  the  army  of  the 
Potomac.  The  Thirty-sixth  took  their  full 
share  in  these  battles,  and  added  to  their 
reputation ;  but  at  Malvern  Hill  they  were 
to  win  their  greatest  renown.  This  battle 
was  fought  on  July  first,  the  Unionists  be 
ing  posted  on  the  slope  of  the  hill.  The 
Comte  de  Paris,  in  giving  the  disposition  of 
troops,  says  that  the  bridge  at  Carter's  Mill, 
which  spans  a  small  stream  called  Western 
Run,  and  the  approaches  to  Haxall's,  where 
a  large  number  of  roads  converge,  were  in 
trusted  to  Keyes's  Corps.  He  had  made  a 
good  selection  for  that  important  post,  as 
they  had  shown  themselves  fighters  that 
would  hold  out  to  the  last.  The  same  his 
torian  (the  Comte  de  Paris),  in  describing 
the  battle,  records  the  capture  of  the  flags 
of  the  Fourteenth  Alabama  by  the  Thirty- 
sixth  New  York,  the  most  gallant  feat  per 
formed  at  Malvern  Hill.  He  says: 

34 


266  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

"  Howe  had  been  waiting  for  the  Confederates  at  a 
short  distance.  The  latter,  being  received  by  a  terrific  fire, 
halted,  when  a  charge  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Second 
completed  the  repulse  at  one  side,  while  on  the  other 
the  Thirty-sixth  New  York  carried  off  the  flags  of  the 
Fourteenth  Alabama." 

The  following  clipping  from  a  California 
paper  gives  a  detailed  description  of  this 
daring  piece  of  gallantry  : 

"A    GALLANT    CHARGE." 

"At  the  battle  of  Malvern  Hill,  the  last  of  the  seven 
days'  fight  before  Richmond,  the  Thirty-sixth  New  York 
Regiment  was  posted  upon  the  right  flank  of  Major 
West's  batteries.  About  half -past  three  in  the  afternoon, 
a  rebel  regiment  came  out  of  the  wood  and  formed  their 
line  of  battle.  The  color-sergeant  stepped  out  about  ten 
paces  to  the  front,  and  planted  the  colors  of  his  regi 
ment,  as  in  the  days  of  ancient  chivalry,  challenging  the 
foe  to  take  them.  The  gallant  Thirty-sixth  made  a 
change  of  front,  delivered  a  volley,  charged  bayonets, 
drove  the  enemy  back  into  the  woods,  and  captured 
the  rebel  flags.  This  gallant  exploit  was  witnessed  by 
twenty  thousand  Federal  troops,  who  made  the  air  re 
sound  with  their  cheers  and  huzzas.  The  colors  repre 
sented  the  Fourteenth  Alabama  Regiment.  The  Thirty- 
sixth  was  the  last  regiment  to  give  way  before  the 
rebels,  on  the  first  day  of  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  stub 
bornly  disputing  the  ground,  while  retreating  before  an 
overwhelming  force,  until  reaching  a  favorable  position, 
when  they  held  the  victorious  rebels  in  check." 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  267 

The  following  official  reports  of  the  part 
taken  by  the  Thirty  -  sixth  New  York  in 
those  engagements  reflect  much  credit  on 
the  gallantry,  bravery,  and  coolness  shown 
by  the  Colonel.  The  reader  will  see  that 
the  Thirty-sixth  and  their  dashing  officers 
had  their  full  share  in  the  fighting  and  re 
nown  : 

[Official  Report.] 

"HEADQUARTERS  36111    REGT.,  N.  Y.  VOLS. 

"INTRENCHED   CAMP,   June   5,   1862. 
"To  Lieutenant   BYRON   PORTER,  A.A.-G. 
"SiR: 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  for  the  information 
of  the  brigade  commander,  the  part  taken  by  the  regi 
ment  under  my  command  in  the  battle  of  the  thirty-first 
of  May.  Almost  simultaneously  with  the  first  discharge 
of  arms  in  our  front,  about  ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  I  received 
orders  to  move  with  my  regiment  to  the  front,  to  the 
support  of  Captain  Flood's  battery,  who  had  taken  up  a 
position  on  the  right  of  the  Richmond  stage  road.  I  at 
once  proceeded  to  the  right  and  front  of  the  battery, 
and  occupied  a  portion  of  the  rifle-pits  in  course  of 
erection  there,  and  held  that  position  until  about  six 
o'clock  P.  M.  when  I  was  ordered  to  fall  back,  as  the 
enemy  had  turned  our  right  flank  in  large  force.  At 
this  time,  General  Devens  having  been  disabled,  I  as 
sumed  command  of  the  brigade,  and  the  command  of 
the  regiment  devolved  upon  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hun- 
gerford,  who  led  it  off  in  good  order  near  Battery 
Couch  by  my  orders.  All  of  the  officers  and  men  of 


268  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

my  command  behaved  with  the  utmost  coolness  and 
bravery.  I  make  particular  mention  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  D.  E.  Hungerford,  who  exhibited  great  cool 
ness,  bravery,  and  judgment,  in  the  skillful  handling  of 
the  regiment  after  having  the  command ;  Major  J. 
Rainey  ;  Surgeon  E.  B.  Dalton  ;  Captain  James  J.  Walsh  ; 
Lieutenant  D.  E.  Murphy,  and  Sergeant-Major  Charles 
P.  Lindsey.  Enclosed  please  find  a  list  of  the  killed, 
wounded,  and  missing. 

"  I   have   the  honor  to   be 

"  Most  respectfully  yours, 
(Signed)  "CHAS.  H.  INNES, 

"  Colonel  36th   Regt.,  New    York    Vols" 

"  HEADQUARTERS   3D   BRIGADE,  4TH   CORPS, 

"INTRENCHED   CAMP,   June   5,   1862. 

"Captain   FRANCIS   A.  WALKER,   A.A.-G. 
"$IR: 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  for  the  information 
of  the  general  commanding  the  division,  the  part  taken 
by  the  brigade  under  my  command  in  the  battle  of  the 
3ist  of  May  and  the  ist  of  June.  Subsequent  to  the 
disabling  of  General  Charles  Devens,  which  happened 
about  6  P.  M.  '  at  that  time,  having  received  an  order 
(the  enemy  having  turned  our  flank  in  large  force)  to 
fall  back,  I  at  once  ordered  the  Thirty-Sixth  New  York 
Volunteers  (which  was  the  last  regiment  in  the  rifle- 
pits)  to  fall  back  to  the  intrenched  camp  and  take  a 
position  there  ;  at  the  same  time  I  despatched  an  orderly 
with  the  same  instructions  for  the  Tenth  Massachusetts 
Volunteers,  who  soon  arrived  in  good  order,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Orzo  Miller ;  at  the  same  time 
three  companies  of  the  Seventh  Massachusetts  Volun- 


bANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORt).  269 

teers,  three  of  the  Tenth  Massachusetts,  and  two  com 
panies  of  the  Thirty-Sixth  fell  into  line,  having  been 
out  on  picket  duty,  and  Captain  Flood's  battery,  who  at 
once  came  into  battery.  Having  disposed  of  this  force,  I 
at  once  turned  my  attention  to  the  arrest  of  all  strag 
glers,  and  disposed  of  them  to  good  advantage  in  the 
rifle-pits,  according  to  the  similarity  of  arms.  At  this 
time  General  Keyes  arrived  on  the  ground,  and  I  in 
formed  him  of  the  disposition  I  had  made  of  the  forces 
there.  It  proving  satisfactory  to  him,  he  ordered  me 
to  take  charge  of  all  the  stragglers  that  might  pass 
through  there.  Shortly  after  Colonel  Hay  man  of  the 
Thirty-Seventh  New  York  Volunteers  marched  in,  and 
I  communicated  my  instructions  to  him,  and  stated  that 
it  was  very  necessary  to  have  a  strong  picket  thrown 
out,  ,that  I  could  not  do  it  without  weakening  very 
materially  my  position.  He  at  once  placed  himself  and 
regiment  at  my  disposal,  and  picketed  our  left  flank  and 
front.  About  half  an  hour  before  day  the  whole  com 
mand  was  formed  in  line,  ready  for  action.  The  Sev 
enth  Massachusetts  having  been  temporarily  detached 
for  service  on  the  right,  with  the  general  commanding 
the  division,  I  am  unable  to  report  the  part  taken  by 
them,  but  feel  assured  they  have  done  great  credit  to 
themselves.  Too  great  praise  cannot  be  rendered  to 
Brigade- Surgeon  Charles  O'Leary,  and  Surgeons  E.  B. 
Dalton,  Thirty-Sixth  New  York  Volunteers,  and  C.  W. 
Chamberlain,  Tenth  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  for  their 
devoted  attentions  to  the  wounded.  I  desire  to  call  to 
the  special  notice  of  the  general  commanding  Captain 
Orzo  Miller,  who  commanded  the  Tenth  Massachusetts 
Volunteers  after  Col.  Briggs  had  been  severely  wounded. 


270  DANIEL    E.    1IUNGERFORD. 

He  led  his  regiment  in  gallant  style,  and  only  left  the 
field  when  ordered  to  fall  back  at  dark,  which  he  did 
in  good  order.  Colonel  D.  E.  Hungerford  and  Major 
James  A.  Roney  behaved  with  great  gallantry  and  cool 
ness  throughout  the  engagement.  Massachusetts  and 
New  York  have  cause  to  be  proud  of  these  regiments. 
"  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

"  Yours  respectfully, 

"CHAS.  H.  INNES, 
"  Commanding   Third  Brigade,  Couch's  Division,  Fourth   Corps. 


CHAPTER    X. 

Conceiving  Plan  of  Attacking  Confederacy  through  Texas 
—  Application  to  Governor  of  California  for  Troops  — 
Gecrecy  of  Movements  —  Expedition  to  Mexico  —  On 
the  Point  of  Success  —  Betrayed  —  Intrigues  of  French 
Consul  —  Triumphant  Acquittal  —  Arrival  in  Mexico 
with  Armed  Force  —  Saving  of  Arms  and  Stores  from 
Capture  —  Surgeon  and  Doctor  in  La  Paz — Leaves 
for  Europe. 

TN  all  the  Lieutenant-Colonel's  letters  it  is 
seen  how  thoroughly  he  kept  himself 
informed  of  the  movements  of  the  forces, 
and  the  accuracy  by  which  he  foretold 
many  of  the  movements  which  were  after 
wards  made.  For  one  of  his  perception 
and  discernment,  it  is  not  surprising  that 
he  was  able  to  perceive  what  would  escape 
the  eye  of  the  ordinary  observer  of  the 
situation.  During  all  the  operations  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  he  had  his  attention 
fixed  on  the  Western  armies.  He  saw  what 
few  did,  that  a  vital  blow  could  be  struck 
at  the  Confederacy  by  an  attack  through 
Texas,  the  citadel  of  rebellion.  Keeping  his 
own  counsel,  the  matter  was  quietly  sub- 


272  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

mitted  to  the  authorities  at  Washington, 
and  was  favorably  considered  by  them. 
They  may  have  seen  the  importance  of  the 
movement,  but  it  was  through  the  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  that  it  was  first  formally 
brought  to  their  attention.  After  Malvern 
Hill,  the  plan  having  received  the  official 
sanction,  he  felt  that  the  moment  had  come, 
the  time  was  ripe. 

During  the  operations  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  he  was  not  unmindful  of  the 
importance  of  the  Pacific  coast,  and  the 
danger  that  it  was  in  from  the  secession 
element.  Tis  true  that  California  was  a 
loyal  state,  none  more  so,  but  it  is  also  a 
fact  that  there  were  not  a  few  in  that 
state  whose  hearts  did  not  beat  warmly  for 
the  Union  cause.  Colonel  Hungerford  had 
personal  cognizance  of  this,  indeed,  he  had 
been  even  solicited,  while  in  California,  not 
to  go  to  Washington  to  enter  the  Union 
army ;  but  to  remain,  and  a  high  command 
in  the  Confederate  service  would  be  given 
him.  Needless  to  say,  the  offer  was  spurned 
by  him.  "  Gentlemen,"  he  replied  to  them, 
"you  insult  me  by  such  an  offer.  My  honor 
and  patriotism  alike  demand  that  the  flag 
of  my  country  is  the  one  for  which  I 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORI).  273 

should  draw  my  sword.  I  have  already 
fought  twice  under  it.  My  father  in  1812, 
and  my  grandfather  in  the  Revolution, 
have,  it  is  my  proud  boast  to  say,  shed 
their  blood  in  its  defense.  It  is  not  in  the 
character  of  one  of  the  Hungerford  race 
to  raise  his  hand  in  rebellion  against  his 
own  flag." 

This  feeling  and  patriotic  response  was 
well  calculated  to  impress  those  traitorous 
souls.  Indeed,  had  the  offer  been  made 
in  a  different  manner,  he  would  have 
denounced  them  in  their  true  colors,  but 
coming  as  it  did  honor  forbade  him  that 
course. 

From  the  banks  of  the  Chickahominy 
he  conceived  the  idea  of  invading  Texas 
by  way  of  Arizona  and  New  Mexico.  Gen 
eral  Carleton  was  already  in  that  part  of 
the  country,  and  he  had  been  moved  for 
ward  to  Santa  Fe,  New  Mexico.  To  raise 
a  large  force,  overtake  him,  and,  thus  united, 
successfully  invade  Texas,  striking  perhaps 
a  fatal  blow  in  the  rear  of  the  Confederacy, 
was  surely  a  feasible  plan,  and  gave  prom 
ise  of  important  results.  The  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  thousands  of  miles  away  on  the 
Potomac,  knew  all  this,  and  he  felt  that  the 

35 


274  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

time  had  arrived  to  make  the  move.  He 
then  would  have  greater  scope,  and,  un 
trammelled  and  free,  be  able  to  do  greater 
service  for  his  •  country,  and  win  greater 
glory  for  himself.  The  lieutenant-colonelcy 
did  not  offer  the  same  field  for  the  dashing 
and  ambitious  officer  that  the  expedition  to 
Texas  would. 

He  -returned  to  California  full  of  enthu 
siasm,  thinking  that  in  a  few  short  weeks 
he  would  be  marching  at  the  head  of  a 
victorious  army  of  invasion  into  Texas. 
Immediately,  on  his  arrival  in  California,  he 
intended  to  raise  the  necessary  force  for 
the  carrying  out  of  his  project.  His  ability 
as  an  organizer  of  troops  would  again,  he 
thought,  come  in  good  play. 

Reaching  Downieville,  he  addressed  the 
following  letter  to  the  Governor  of  Cali 
fornia,  making  the  necessary  application. 
As  will  be  perceived  the  real  intent  is 
veiled,  for  the  obvious  reason  of  not  letting 
the  information  by  any  chance  or  acci 
dent  be  conveyed  to  the  enemy.  Once  the 
real  object  known,  the  success  of  the 
expedition  would  be  imperilled,  if  not  de 
feated.  In  those  days,  when  spies  and 
traitors  were  lurking  in  Government  offices, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  275 

high  and  low,  it  behoved  the  prudent  man 
to  be  guarded  and  circumspect,  even  in 
official  communications.  The  plan  of  the 
Colonel  having,  as  already  stated,  received 
the  favorable  consideration  of  the  Govern 
ment,  he  expected  the  instant  co-operation 
of  the  Governor  of  California.  Hence  he 
was  eager  to  be  on  the  spot  to  commence 
the  organization  of  the  force  necessary  for 
its  accomplishment. 

Under  date  of  August  25,   1862,  he  writes 
the   Governor,  as   follows : 

u  DEAR   SIR  : 

"  I  have  just  returned  from  the  Atlantic  States,  hav 
ing  served  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  as  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  of  the  Thirty-sixth  New  York  Regiment,  from 
August  5,  1 86 1,  till  July  r,  1862.  I  would  like  to  again 
take  the  field,  and  as  a  matter  of  pride  would  feel 
highly  gratified  to  do  so  at  the  head  of  a  regiment 
from  my  own  State,  California.  I  therefore  beg  to  sub 
mit  to  your  Excellency  the  idea  of  raising  one  or  more 
regiments  for  active  service  in  the  East. 

"  I  do  not  question  for  a  moment  that  the  men  can 
be  raised  for  the  purpose,  and  it  has  been  a  source  of 
mortification  to  many  Californians  that  their  State  has 
not  been  represented  in  the  grand  fighting  army  of  the 
Union. 

"Therefore,  in  accordance  with  their  views  and  my 
own  desires,  I  write  you  as  above,  and  I  trust  that  you 
will  not  consider  my  correspondence  an  intrusion  on 


276  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORIX 

your  time.  Before  my  arrival,  this  was  suggested  to 
me  by  Mr.  Phelps,  our  representative  in  Congress,  who, 
at  the  same  time,  informed  me  that  a  project  for  enter 
ing  Texas  from  this  coast  was  engaging  the  attention 
of  the  department,  and  he  thought  it  would  eventually 
receive  favorable  consideration.  My  object  in  addressing 
you  is  to  obtain  your  views  concerning  the  tender  of 
one  or  more  regiments  to  our  National  Government,  in 
advance  of  the  government  call,  should  they  make  one 
upon  you. 

"  Hoping  that  the   above  may  meet  with   your  Excel 
lency's   favorable   consideration,   and  awaiting  your  reply, 
"  I  remain  your  obedient  servant, 

"  D.    E.    HlJNGERFORD. 

(Signed) 
"To  His  Excellency,  LELAND  STANFORD, 

"Governor  of  California." 

For  the  East,  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  states 
that  he  wants  the  troops,  a  literalry  true  as 
sertion  ;  but  in  his  own  mind  it  was  east  in 
Texas  that  the  destination  was  to  be.  He 
expected  an  immediate  response  to  this  im 
portant  communication,  but  none  came.  Im 
patient  to  take  the  field,  he  writes  again  to 
the  Governor,  this  time  under  date  of  Sep 
tember  18,  1862. 

"  DEAR  SIR  : 

"On  the  twenty-fifth  of  August  I  wrote  you,  propos 
ing  to  raise  one  or  more  regiments  of  volunteers  for 
service  in  the  East,  expecting  you  would  communicate 


bANlEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  277 

with  the  general  government  to  ascertain  if  that  number 
of  troops  would  be  accepted  for  such  service.  A  consid 
erable  time  has  elapsed  and,  I  have  received  no  answer 
to  my  proposition;  and  learning  through  the  newspapers 
that  a  regiment  is  in  course  of  organization  at  San 
Francisco,  and  that  you  are  about  to  issue  your  call  for 
another,  may  I  hope  that  such  is  your  intention,  in  fur 
therance  of  my  proposals  ?  I  have  already  had  many 
proffers  from  various  parts  of  the  State,  and  continue, 
by  each  mail,  to  receive  encouragement  and  offers  of 
co-operation,  but  can  do  or  effect  nothing  until  I  have 
authority  from  Your  Excellency,  or  the  War  Department. 
I  am  satisfied  that  two  full  regiments  can  be  easily 
raised,  provided  they  may  be  immediately  sent  to  the 
seat  of  participation  in  active  military  operations. 

"  If  at  all  within  your  province,  I  would  be  pleased  to 
engage  in  the  work  at  the  earliest  moment.  Troops  are 
more  necessary  just  now  than  at  any  other  time  during 
the  war.  Awaiting  your  reply,"  etc.,  etc. 

Again  he  had  thought  prudent  to  veil 
the  real  object  of  the  raising  of  the  troops. 
To  that  letter  the  Governor  replied  as  fol 
lows  : 

"STATE  OF  CALIFORNIA, 

"EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

"SACRAMENTO,  Sept.  26,   1862. 
"CoL.  D.  E.  HUNGERFORD  — 

"  DEAR  SIR  :  Your  favor  of  the  eighteenth  instant  is  at 
hand.  I  would  say  in  answer  that  I  have  received  no 
advices  from  the  War  Department  relative  to  the  raising 


278  DANIEL    E.  -HUNGERFORD. 

of   a  regiment  in   this   State.      Until   such   advices  reach 
me  I  cannot  act  in  the  premises. 

"Very  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"  LELAND  STANFORD." 

More  delay.  Time  was  slipping  by  and 
he  was  chafing  at  the  slowness  of  the  Gov 
ernment  in  moving.  He  had  expected  to 
receive  the  necessary  instructions  as  soon  as 
he  reached  California ;  but  the  weeks  were 
going,  and  he  was  not  yet  on  the  march 
to  invade  Texas.  But  the  delay  did  not 
damp  his  enthusiasm :  it  only  increased  it. 
He  felt  (and  the  highest  competent  men  in 
the  nation  had  endorsed  his  views)  that  the 
expedition  would  have  important  results, 
and  he  determined  to  carry  it  out  against 
all  obstacles. 

Here  is  what  a  California  paper  says  of 
the  project  for  raising  a  regiment  of  troops. 
It  seems  that  even  the  press  had  not  pene 
trated  the  real  design  :  • 

"A    CALIFORNIA    REGIMENT. 

"There  is  some  talk  of  raising  a  regiment  of  volun 
teers  in  California  to  proceed  directly  to  the  East  to  take 
part  in  the  war.  From  what  we  have  heard,  we  think, 
if  the  matter  was  taken  hold  of  in  the  right  way,  that 
a  full  regiment  could  be  raised  in  the  State  of  men 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  279 

who   would   equip   themselves    and  pay   their  passage    to 
New  York.       One    company   at  least,   and    perhaps    two, 
could   be   recruited   in    Nevada   County  ;    and    many   who 
cannot  go   themselves  would   furnish   the   outfit    and  pay 
the   expenses   of   a  substitute.      This   State   has   not  been 
called   on   for  its  quota  of   troops,  under  the  late  calls,  in 
consequence   of   the   great   expense  and  delay  that  would 
be   occasioned   in    transporting  them   to   the  East ;   but  in 
the   present  period  of  gloom  and  disaster  to  the  national 
cause,  many  feel  that  it  is  the  duty  of  California  to  take 
a  more  direct  part  than  she  has  been  called  upon  to  take, 
in    the    great    work    of    maintaining    the    national    integ 
rity.     Perhaps,    if   a    regiment    was    raised    and    equipped, 
some   arrangement  could  be  made   to  defray  the  expense 
of  their  transportation   to   the   seat  of  war,  either  by  the 
State,  or   by  means   of   a   public   subscription.     We   notice 
by   the   Downieville   News   that    Colonel    Hungerford,    who 
has  lately  returned  from  the  East,  is  moving  in  the  mat 
ter  of  raising  one  or  more  regiments  in  this  State.      The 
News  says  :    '  We    understand    that    Colonel    Hungerford, 
but    recently    returned    from   the   Army  of  the   Potomac, 
has  applied  to  the   Governor  for  permission   to   raise  one 
or  more  regiments  of  volunteers,  to  be  conducted  directly 
to    the  field   in    Virginia.     If   at   all   within   the  power  of 
Governor  Stanford,  we  have   no   doubt   that    the   applica 
tion    will   be   successful.'      With    the    assurance    that    the 
men    will   be   taken    directly  to   the   scene  of  war,   there 
will  be  no  difficulty  in  procuring  enlistments.     The   main 
difficulty  last  fall  was  that  the  volunteers  expected,  what 
afterwards   occurred,    that   they    would   be   kept   in    inac 
tivity  on  this   coast.     Colonel    Hungerford    has    a    reputa 
tion  as   a  military  man,  has  come  direct  from   the   hard- 


280  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

fought  field  of  the  Peninsula,  and  is  desirous  to  return 
with  a  regiment  or  two  of  California  fighting  men. 
Whoever  goes  with  him  will  have  no  difficulty  in  getting 
into  business,  or  in  getting  sight  of  the  belligerent  ele 
phant.  We  eagerly  hope  his  application  may  be  success 
ful.  We  don't  think  any  military  leader  could  be  found 
more  competent,  certainly  none  braver,  or  more  effectu 
ally  tried  in  the  hottest  fires  of  Mexico  and  Virginia.' " 

The  receipt  of  the  letter  from  the  Gov 
ernor  came  as  a  bitter  disappointment  to 
the  Colonel.  He  had  conceived  a  project  of 
great  magnitude,  and  one  that  promised  far 
reaching  results.  It  had  been  favorably  con 
sidered  by  the  Government,  and  he  had  re 
turned  to  California,  feeling  that  the  pro 
posed  expedition  was  already  an  assured 
success.  But  California  was  slow  moving, 
and  the  War  Department  apathetic.  The 
Cabinet,  and  in  fact  the  whole  country,  had 
been  thrown  into  consternation  by  the  ra 
pidity  of  Jackson's  movement  in  Virginia  ; 
Washington  itself  they  thought  was  threat 
ened,  and,  in  the  almost  panic  that  then  pre 
vailed,  the  gallant  Colonel's  proposition  ap 
pears  to  have  been  lost  sight  of.  Galling 
and  maddening  as  was  the  delay,  and  eager 
and  restless  under  his  forced  inaction,  his 
ardor  and  patriotism  would  not  permit  him 
to  lose  heart  in  the  undertaking,  despite  the 


DANIEL    E.    IIUNGERFORD.  281 

many  discouragements  and  apparent  lack  of 
support  that  he  had  to  encounter.  He  there 
fore  turned  his  attention  to  another  field  - 
Nevada.  He  was  already  well-known  in  that 
Territory.  His  services  there  in  the  Indian 
War  in  1860,  and  the  brilliant  manoeuvres 
he  had  made  during  the  engagement  with 
the  hostiles,  whereby  the  camp  was  saved 
and  a  second  massacre  prevented,  were  all 
remembered  with  gratitude  by  the  people. 
Identified  prominently  not  only  in  the  com 
mercial  development  of  the  coast,  he  had 
also  the  confidence  of  the  State  as  a  thor 
ough  military  man,  knowing  every  detail  of 
his  profession.  Men  of  his  stamp  were  not 
too  common  in  those  days  of  gold-seeking 
and  wealth-hunting.  Indeed,  on  the  statute 
books  of  California  there  is  hardly  a  law 
that  in  any  way  relates  to  the  military  or 
ganization  of  the  State  that  he  is  not  en 
tirely  familiar  with,  or  else  had  some  part 
in  its  being  placed  there.  The  oath  taken 
by  the  militia  of  that  State,  binding  them 
selves  to  obey  the  mandate  of  the  general, 
as  well  as  the  State  government,  was  writ 
ten  by  his  pen  and  incorporated  in  the  law 
mainly  through  his  efforts.  Therefore,  if 
California  had  failed  him,  he  had  no  reason 
36 


282  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

to  expect  that  Nevada  would  ;  so  his  enthu- 
siam  and  hopefulness  were  not  abated.  A 
requisition  had  been  made  upon  the  Gov 
ernor  of  that  territory  for  a  regiment  of  in 
fantry,  and  two  more  companies  of  cavalry, 
four  companies  of  cavalry  having  alread}^ 
been  raised.  The  Colonel  made  immediate 
application  for  the  command  of.  the  infantry. 
The  return  mail  brought  his  commission. 
The  Governor  knew  the  reputation  of  the 
Colonel,  and  he  could  not  forget  how  the 
arrival  of  the  Colonel  in  Virginia  City  a  few 
years  before  had  come  as  a  deliverance  to 
the  population  of  the  territory  from  Indian 
attacks  and  atrocities.  He  rightly  felt  that 
he  could  not  make  a  better  choice.  The 
Governor's  selection  was  heartily  approved 
by  the  people.  The  principal  paper  in  the 
Territory  refers  in  the  following  manner  to 
the  Colonel's  appointment  : 

"The  new  regiment  of  mounted  infantry  being  raised 
in  this  Territory  is  progressing  finely.  It  will  certainly, 
at  all  events,  not  suffer  because  of  the  inexperience  of 
the  officers  to  whom  its  command  has  been  intrusted. 
Daniel  E.  Hungerford,  the  Colonel,  is  an  experienced 
and  brave  soldier,  and  has  been  proven  so  on  many  a 
hard-contested  battle-field.  So  long  ago  as  1841,  he  held 
a  commission  in  the  New  York  State  Militia,  and  was 
one  of  the  first  to  raise  and  offer  to  the  government  a 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  283 

company  for  service  in  Mexico.  In  that  country,  he  par 
ticipated  in  all  the  battles  from  Vera  Cruz  to  the  capi 
tal,  and  was  wounded  in  one  of  the  battles  in  front  of 
the  City  of  Mexico.  He  came  to  the  Pacific  coast  at  an 
early  day,  and  came  to  this  Territory  as  major  of  the 
troops  sent  here  from  California  in  the  spring  of  1860, 
to  protect  the  inhabitants  against,  the  Pay  Utahs.  In 
this  campaign  he  came  up  with,  and  defeated  the  savages 
at  William's  Ranch  and  Pyramid  Lake.  Soon  after  the 
first  battle  of  Bull  Run,  he  was  at  once  appointed  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel,  and  served  all  through  McClellan's  hard- 
fought  campaign. 

"  Coming  to  California,  he  sought  for  authority  to 
raise  a  brigade,  but  was  prohibited  from  doing  so  by 
the  circumlocution  office. 

"  If  thorough  military  knowledge,  long  experience, 
and  undoubted  personal  bravery  are  good  criterions, 
Colonel  Hungerford  would  seem  to  be  the  right  man 
in  the  right  place. 

"He  has  been  engaged  in  the  following  battles, 
where  there  were  few  that  showed  more  bravery  and 
gallantry :  Vera  Cruz,  Nueva  Rancho,  Cerro  Gordo,  Ama- 
zoec,  Contreras,  Churubusco,  Chapultepec,  Garita  de 
Belen,  all  in  Mexico ;  William's  Ranch  and  Pyramid 
Lake  in  Nevada  Territory ;  Young's  Mills,  Yorktown, 
Bottom's  Bridge,  Fair  Oaks,  and  Malvern  Hill  in  the 
Peninsular  campaign." 

Armed  with  the  necessary  authority  the 
Colonel  immediately  set  to  work  to  fill  the 
requisition.  The  task  was  an  arduous  one. 
Nevada  was  sparsely  settled.  The  distances 
to  be  traveled  were  great,  and  much  care 


284  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

and  keen  discrimination  were  necessary  in 
the  selection  of  the  men.  In  the  capacity 
of  Assistant  Adjutant-General  he  superin 
tended  the  recruiting.  Regardless  of  the 
many  difficulties  he  was  not  daunted,  and, 
in  a  short  time,  succeeded  in  rilling  the 
quota  of  two  companies  of  cavalry  and 
six  companies  of  infantry.  At  this  point 
recruiting  was  suspended  by  general  orders 
from  the  headquarters  of  the  division.  This 
was  a  hard  fate  for  the  Colonel ;  all  his 
labor  and  expectation  had  gone  for  naught. 
Working  night  and  day,  making  many  sacri 
fices  that  he  could  ill  afford,  he  was  buoyed 
up  with  the  hope  of  soon  taking  the  field, 
and  doing  much  for  his  country,  the  official 
records  of  whose  wars  had  already  borne 
his  name  more  than  once  for  gallantry  and 
bravery.  That  order  seemed  to  deprive  him 
of  the  cherished  hope.  He  had  spent 
several  thousand  dollars  out  of  his  own 
pocket  which  he  could  not  afford ;  but,  what 
he  valued  far  more,  his  military  command, 
he  was  now  without.  Again  a  private 
citizen  against  his  own  will,  his  sword 
sheathed,  but  eager  to  draw  it  once  more 
in  the  service  of  his  country.  The  Mexican 
commissioners  sought  him,  and  solicited  him 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORI).  285 

to   enter    the    service   of    that    Republic,    and% 
assist     them     in     driving     out     the     foreign 
invaders    of    their    soil.       The    Colonel    had 
many   friends   in    Mexico,   and   had   consider 
able  reputation  in  that  country  as  a  military 

man.     His   humane   treatment   of   the   distin- 

• 

guished  captive,  Don  Juan  Carno,  that  he 
had  taken  prisoner  at  Chapultepec,  endeared 
him  to  the  Mexicans,  and  won  their  respect 
as  a  generous  foe  in  time  of  war,  but  a 
sterling  friend  of  their  Republican  institu 
tions  and  government  in  time  of  peace. 
As  history  tells,  Napoleon  the  Third  was 
about  putting  in  execution  his  dream  of 
a  Latin  Empire  in  the  New  World.  To 
obtain  a  foothold  on  the  soil  of  Mexico, 
despoil  the  Mexicans  of  their  government 
and  territory,  and,  when  the  United  States 
would  be  torn  asunder  by  the  internal 
strife  then  raging,  to  pour  myriads  of  his 
legions  into  our  country,  and  thereby  estab 
lish  the  supremacy  of  his  dynasty  on  the 
Western  Continent,  was  the  stupendous 
project  that  dazzled  the  usurper's  brain.  A 
part  had  already  been  fulfilled.  Mexico  had 
been  invaded,  a  quasi  -  empire  had  been 
established,  the  Republican  Government  had 
been  driven  from  the  capital,  though  its 


286  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

troops  were  fighting  bravely  against  the 
despotic  sway  of  the  foreigners,  and  con 
testing  every  inch  of  their  native  land. 
Maximilian  was  sitting  on  the  throne,  sus 
tained —  not  by  the  will  of  the  people  —  but 
by  French  bayonets,  a  poor  and  trembling 
support  for  any  throne.  But  might  during 
those  days  was  overcoming  right.  The 
monarchical  governments  of  the  Old  World 
were  looking  on  in  indifference,  some  per 
haps  with  joy,  at  the  spoliation  of  a  free 
people.  The  Great  Northern  Light,  the 
Giant  of  Republics,  was  being  rent  by 
internal  strife,  and  could  render  no  aid  to 
the  threatened  sister. 

Upon  whom  else  could  the  Mexicans  call 
than  the  patriotic  and  liberty-loving  military 
men  of  the  North  who,  in  drawing  their 
swords  for  their  struggling  neighbor,  would 
be  but  fighting  on  another  soil  the  battles 
of  their  own  country.  When  the  offer  was 
made  to  the  Colonel,  he  saw  the  real  state 
of  affairs  and  the  portentous  significance 
of  the  events  then  being  enacted.  The  dan 
ger-cloud  was  looming,  growing  day  by  day, 
and  forming  another  powerful  menace  to 
our  threatened  National  sovereignty.  The 
Government  in  those  times  could  not  well 


DA  MEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  287 

make  an  armed  protest  against  the  flagrant 
aggression  on  its  Southern  border.  Its  very 
existence  was  already  in  jeopardy,  it  could 
not  afford  to  divert  even  a  single  regiment 
to  enforce  its  just  demand.  Clearly,  to 
private  citizens  on  their  own  responsibility 
would  have  to  fall  the  duty  of  the  main 
tenance  of  the  Monroe  doctrine  then  openly 
violated.  Colonel  Hungerford  with  his  ac-4 
customed  habit  of  looking  ahead,  felt  that 
to  help  drive  the  invaders  from  Mexico 
and  prevent  a  foreign  government  from 
obtaining  a  foothold  upon  the  free  soil  of 
America  would  be  the  means  of  rendering 
signal  service  to  his  own  county.  He  knew 
that  once  in  Mexico,  at  the  head  of  an 
armed  force,  there  would  soon  be  thousands 
of  Americans  to  join  him,  and  who  could 
fail  to  foresee  the  beneficent  results  that 
would  flow  from  such  a  generous  display 
of  American  valor  and  patriotism,  in  the 
aid  of  a  helpless  Republic?  What  an  ever 
lasting  debt  of  gratitude  Mexico  and  her 
people  would  have  ever  felt  to  us.  The 
expansion  of  trade  that  would  result,  the 
closer  union  of  the  two  races,  their  fra 
ternization  in  a  common  cause,  all  this, 
besides  the  immediate  and  glorious  conse- 


288  DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD. 

quence  of  ridding  the  United  States  of  a 
menace,  and  Mexico  of  a  tyrant's  rule. 
With  these  fruitful  reflections,  and  the  hope 
of  a  speedy  realization  of  the  brilliant  ideal, 
Colonel  Hungerford  accepted  the  offer.  The 
policy  of  the  United  States  Government 
being  neutral,  the  strictest  secrecy  had  to 
be  maintained.  The  Colonel's  plan  was  to 
sail  from  San  Francisco  with  a  large  force 
of  men,  fully  armed  and  equipped,  and 
land  in  Mexico,  then  combine  with  the 
Mexican  army.  To  do.  this  required  a  man 
of  capability,  sound  judgment,  and  energy, 
yet  cautious  and  possessing  a  keen  knowl 
edge  of  men.  When  the  Colonel  arrived  in 
San  Francisco,  he  forthwith  began  his  prep 
arations. 

In  conjunction  with  the  Mexican  Com 
missioners,  Generals  Placido  La  Vega  and 
Sancho  Ochoa,  he  succeeded  in  recruiting 
about  five  hundred  men.  Everything  had 
been  done  in  the  quietest  possible  manner ; 
not  a  suspicion  was  aroused.  To  blind  the 
public  as  to  the  real  objects  of  the  expedi 
tion,  it  was  given  out  that  they  were  an 
organized  body  of  "  prospectors "  bound  for 
Arizona,  and  for  protection  against  the 
Apaches  and  other  hostile  Indian  tribes, 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  289 

they  had  thought  best  to  arm  themselves 
and  assume  the  character  of  a  military 
organization.  The  plans  had  been  so  well 
laid,  and  carried  out  with  such  carefulness 
and  forethought,  that  ten  thousand  stand 
of  arms,  ammunition,  quartermaster  and 
commissary  supplies,  and  telegraph  material, 
with  men  were  on  board  the  barque  Brontes, 
and  the  day  of  sailing  fixed,  before  the 
true  nature  of  the  movement  was  even 
suspected.  The  clearance  and  other  neces 
sary  papers  had  been  obtained.  The  Ameri 
can  flag  flying,  they  awaited  only  the  order 
to  make  sail,  and  bid  goodbye  to  the  golden 
gate.  For  once  keen  newspaper  men  were 
completely  deceived.  As  for  the  Govern 
ment  officials,  it  can  be  surmised  that  it 
was  not  difficult  to  throw  them  off  the 
scent.  To  undertake,  and  successfully  put 
in  execution,  an  affair  of  such  magnitude 
in  a  populous  city  like  San  Francisco,  with 
out  exciting  the  least  suspicion,  was  a  work 
that  few  would  have  had  the  ability  to 
carry  through.  The  men  were  oathbound : 
their  sworn  obligation  being  to  fight  against 
all  the  enemies  of  Mexico,  but  never  to 
take  up  arms  against  the  United  States. 
The  latter  proviso  was  not  necessary,  as 

37. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

they  were  all  staunch  Unionists,  but  the 
Colonel,  not  knowing  what  complications 
might  arise,  thought  prudent  to  insert  it. 
The  whole  undertaking  was  on  the  point 
of  success.  All  arrangements  had  been 
made.  In  a  day,  a  few  hours,  they  would 
have  been  at  sea  sailing  to  their  destination. 
But  this  great  and  important  movement, 
fraught  with  the  prospect  of  vast  good  to 
both  the  United  States  and  Mexico,  was 
doomed  to  fail,  through  the  base  treachery 
of  one  from  whom  it  was  the  least  ex 
pected.  An  American  newspaper  man  had 
betrayed  the  Colonel  to  the  French  Consul 
at  San  Francisco.  The  Colonel  had  gone 
to  this  man  and  imparted  to  him,  in  the 
most  sacred  confidence,  the  real  object  of 
the  expedition,  which  he  was  at  liberty  to 
reveal  when  the  Brontes  was  well  out  to 
sea.  The  Colonel  had  selected  his  paper, 
as  it  had  always  professed  such  intense 
patriotism,  that  he  thought  the  secret  would 
be  safest  with  him.  The  result  was  that 
the  French  Consul  made  formal  protest  to 
the  Custom  House  authorities,  who  had  not 
been  well  "posted."  They  delayed  the  sail 
ing  of  the  barque,  and,  in  the  meantime,  the 
Consul  and  the  local  police  concocted  to- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  29 1 

gether  an  affidavit  that  some  of  the  weaker 
members  of  the  party  were  induced  by 
means  of  French  gold  to  sign. 

On  these  Judas  Iscariot  affidavits,  the 
gallant  Colonel  and  twenty-two  of  the 
officers  were  apprehended,  the  barque  was 
unloaded  and  the  arms  and  material  stored : 
thus  temporarily  frustrating  the  well-con 
ceived  design,  through  the  stupidity  of  a 
Custom  House  official,  who  ought  to  have 
known  better,  and  the  vile  perfidy  of  an 
American  journalist.  No  blame  can  be 
attached  to  the  French  Consul.  It  was  his 
duty,  if  he  could,  to  prevent  the  barque 
leaving  port :  but  to  have  his  plans  thus 
thwarted  by  a  member  of  the  American 
press,  whose  paper  had  always  proclaimed 
its  great  patriotism  and  loyalty,  was  so 
revolting  in  its  hideousness,  as  to  be  hardly 
believable. 

The  trial  was  one  of  the  "  causes 
celebres"  in  the  history  of  the  State.  The 
sympathy  of  every  right  thinking  and 
patriotic  man,  woman,  and  child  in  the 
community  was  with  the  Colonel  and  his 
companions,  and  nothing  but  loathing  and 
contempt  were  felt  for  the  miscreants,  who, 
for  a  handful  of  the  foreigner's  gold,  would 


292  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

betray  their  own  citizens,  and  stain  their 
manhood  with  a  perjurer's  taint.  The  best 
counsel  in  the  State  offered  their  services 
to  the  Colonel;  but,  not.  needing  their  assist 
ance,  he  declined  it,  preferring  to  argue 
and  plead  his  own  case,  though  not  the 
semblance  of  a  case  was  made  out  against 
him.  His  speech  to  the  jury  was  a  scath 
ing  denunciation  of  the  corrupt  methods 
that  had  been  used  against  them,  and  fierce 
in  the  condemnation  of  the  emissary  of  a 
foreign  government,  plotting  in  the  city  of 
San  Francisco  against  a  struggling  Ameri 
can  Republic,  and  aided  and  abetted  in  his 
nefarious  work  by  men  who  claimed  to  be 
Americans. 

At  times  during  his  speech  he  was  bit 
terly  sarcastic,  and  the  crowded  court  was 
often  convulsed  with  laughter  at  his  witty 
references  to  the  bribed  witnesses,  and  the 
contradictions  of  their  evidence.  In  the  sa 
cred  name  of  justice,  he  demanded  an  im 
mediate  acquittal,  without  the  jury  leaving 
their  seats.  When  the  Colonel  had  finished, 
the  foreman  arose  and  announced  that  the}^ 
rendered  a  verdict  of  "  Not  guilty,"  which 
was  received  with  ringing  cheers  by  the  en 
tire  court.  Indeed,  during  the  trial,  the  pro- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  293 

ceedings  often  degenerated  into  a  farce,  and 
the  prosecuting  attorney  and  the  bribed  wit 
nesses,  it  was  thought,  could  hardly  brazen 
it  out  to  the  end,  so  great  was  the  ire  and 
sentiment  of  the  people  against  them.  The 
Colonel's  speech  to  the  jury  attracted  consid 
erable  attention,  and  was  widely  read.  His 
crime  was  patriotic  zeal,  and  he  knew  no 
honest  American  citizen  could  award  pun 
ishment  for  such  an  offense.  His  eloquent 
words  to  the  jury,  lofty  in  sentiment,  and 
expressing  high  patriotism  and  firm  resolve, 
and  as  dealing  with  an  event  of  great  im 
portance  in  the  annals  of  California,  will  be 
read  with  interest.  The  Colonel  said  : 

"  I  appear  before  you  in  defense  of  myself  against  the 
wicked  and  malicious  persecutions  of  perjured  wretches 
and  shameless  officials,  whose  tender  regard  for  truth  and 
honesty  has  been  polluted  by  the  magic  influence  .of 
French  gold,  aided  and  abetted  by  a  public  journal,  and 
that,  too,  while  professing  a  deep  sympathy  for  a  sister 
Republic  now  struggling  for  existence  against  the  wicked 
and  unholy  usurpation  of  an  Austrian  tyrant,  sustained 
by  French  bayonets.  How  men  so  base  could  be  found 
in  this  American  community,  whose  element  is  universal 
liberty,  is  indeed  most  wonderful,  a  community  whose 
proverbial  sympathies  are  ever  with  the  oppressed,  and 
whose  aid  and  succor  has,  upon  all  occasions,  been  ex 
tended,  and,  most  especially,  to  a  patriotic  people  strug 
gling  for  the  maintenance  of  Republican  liberty  and  na 
tional  existence. 


294  DANIEL    K.     HUNGERFORD. 

"  But  so  does  it  seem,  and  how  do  they  appear  ?  This 
scum  of  filth  has  arisen  upon  the  surface  of  the  waters 
as  an  obnoxious  poison,  unfitted  and  incompatible  to  mix 
and  combine  with  the  purer  elements  of  the  truly  great 
principles  of  American  republicanism,  whose  sympathies 
are  justly  aroused  when  the  cries  and  wails  of  their  suf 
fering  brethren  reach  them,  as  wafted  along  upon  the 
gentle  breeze  of  heaven  from  the  several  quarters  of  the 
globe.  If  to  be  held  guilty  for  my  personal  sympathies 
for  Republican  Mexico  is  a  crime,  then  I  am  content  to 
be  guilty.  'Tis  but  a  few  years  gone  by,  when  I  could 
have  been  found  in  the  ranks  of  my  fellow  countrymen, 
combating  in  the  deadly  strife  of  war,  these  very  peo 
ple  who  now  so  excite  my  every  sympathy  that  I  will 
aid  them  by  every  honorable  means  in  my  power,  even 
to  the  jeopardy  of  my  own  life,  to  the  re-establishment 
of  their  republican  form  of  government.  If  to  assist 
the  weak  against  the  strong,  the  right  against  the  wrong, 
then  do  I  propose  to  be  a  criminal.  Believing  as  I  do 
in  the  truth  and  the  righteousness  of  the  Monroe  doc 
trine,  I  must  so  direct  my  every  act  that  they  may  be 
consistent  with  its  teachings  ;  and  I  most  fervently  pray 
and  hope  to  live  to  see  placed  upon  the  National  Palace 
of  Mexico  the  eagled-flag  of  the  Republic,  in  fraternal 
association  with  our  own  beloved  starry-banner.  The 
one  there  by  right,  the  other  as  a  guardian  —  a  warning 
to  the  tyrants  of  the  Old  World  that  America  belongs 
to  Americans." 

The  Colonel  then  went  on  to  review  the 
evidence,  showing  clearly  the  falsity  of  the 
charges,  and  taking  occasion  to  excoriate,  by 
bitter  invective  and  sarcastic  references  to 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFOR1).  295 

the  bribed  officials  and  their  dastardly  en 
deavors  to  subvert  justice.  In  closing,  he 
said  : 

"  Now,  gentlemen,  if  you  can  find  anything  in  the 
evidence  to  even  excite  a  suspicion  of  guilt,  then  I  am 
willing  to  abide  by  your  judgment.  I  ask  no  charity  or 
leniency  ;  will  receive  none.  Again  assuring  you,  gentle 
men  of  the  jury,  that  I  know  no  more  of  these  alleged 
transactions  than  you  do,  yourselves  ;  and,  in  conclusion, 
having  established  my  entire  innocence,  I  ask  not  in 
charity,  but  demand  in  the  most  sacred  name  of  justice 
a  free  acquittal  from  your  seats,  without  resorting  to  the 
jury-room." 

The  jury  could  do  only  one  thing,  acquit 
him  instantly  and  unanimously.  All  the 
allurements  of  French  gold,  and  the  vile 
attempts  of  the  shameless  conspirators  could 
not  hold  against  the  twelve  honest  men  who 
had  listened  to  the  truthful  'and  eloquent 
words  of  the  Colonel,  so  convincing  of  his 
innocence  and  the  patriotism  of  his  motives. 

About  two  months  after,  the  Colonel,  still 
enthusiastic  and  determined,  left  San  Fran 
cisco,  with  a  much  less  force,  for  the  mouth 
of  the  Colorado  River,  at  the  head  of  the 
Gulf  of  California,  to  which  place  the  arms 
and  military  stores  had  been  already  trans 
ferred.  Taking  them  on  board  another 
vessel  he  proceeded  to  La  Paz,  Lower  Cali- 


296  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

fornia.  Here  he  found  that  General  La 
Vega,  with  a  portion  of  the  Colonel's  men, 
had  crossed  over  to  the  State  of  Sinaloa, 
with  a  view  of  revolutionizing  that  State 
in  behalf  of  himself.  The  Colonel  could 
not  engage  in  anything  of  this  kind.  The 
engagement  that  he  had  entered  into  was 
to  serve  the  Federal  Government  of  Mexico, 
and  assist  them  in  repelling  the  invasion  of 
their  soil,  and  thereby  establish  the  suprem 
acy  of  the  Monroe  Doctrine,  which  was  be 
ing  openly  violated.  He  could  not,  in  honor, 
oppose  the  Government,  or  take  part  in  any 
manifestation  in  favor  of  any  individual,  no 
matter  whom.  He  was  bound  to  respect  and 
recognize  the  lawfully-constituted  authority. 
He  therefore  sent  two  agents  to  General 
Corona,  who  commanded  in  Sinaloa,  offering 
to  deliver  the  arms  and  stores  to  him  on 
payment  of  the  amounts  still  due  to  Ameri 
can  merchants  for  the  same.  This  General 
Corona  was  unable  to  do,  so  the  Colonel  or 
dered  the  return  to  San  Francisco  of  the 
vessel  and  properties  belonging  to  the  mer 
chants,  thereby  saving  them  from  capture, 
the  French  having  several  men-of-war  in  the 
Gulf  and  upon  the  coast. 

The   Colonel  remained  at   La    Paz  watch- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  297 

ing  developments,  not  knowing  what  part 
he  would  be  called  upon  to  take.  The  War 
Department  at  Washington  was  informed  of 
his  arrival,  and  something  he  thought  might 
arise  that  would  demand  his  services,  either 
for  his  own  Government  or  Mexico. 

During  a  space  of  one  month,  four  sepa 
rate  revolutions  occurred,  none  of  which  he 
could  be  induced  to  have  anything  to  do 
with  ;  they  made  every  attempt,  and  all  man 
ner  of  persuasion  was  used,  but  he  stood 
firm,  holding  that  he  came  there  to  fight  for 
the  Federal  Government,  and  not  to  take 
part  in  the  partisan  disputes  and  warfare 
among  themselves.  By  this  attitude  and 
the  uprightness  of  his  acts  he  gained  the 
confidence  and  respect  of  all  parties. 

Soon  the  news  came  of  the  battle  of 
Queretaro,  and  the  capture  of  Maximilian 
and  the  renegade  Mexicans,  and  their  final 
disposition.  Napoleon  the  Third  had  awak 
ened  from  his  dream,  and  his  generals  and 
satellites  were  paying  by  their  lives  for  their 
desperate  attempt  at  the  violation  of  the 
rights  and  subjugation  of  a  free  people. 

Now,  it  may  be  asked,  what  was  the  re 
sult  of  the  Colonel's  efforts  and  sacrifices  in 
the  raising  of  these  expeditions  to  help  Mex- 
38 


298  DANIEL    E.     HUNGERFORD. 

ico,  and  assist  by  force  of  arms  in  the  as 
sertion  of  the  inviolability  of  the  Monroe 
Doctrine  ?  Who  can  doubt  their  potent  ef 
fect  in  the  final  withdrawal  of  the  French 
troops,  when  referring  to  the  correspondence 
and  interview  of  William  H.  Seward,  our 
Secretary  of  State,  with  the  French  Minister 
of  Foreign  Affairs  ?  We  find  Mr.  Seward 
using  these  expeditions  of  Colonel  Hunger- 
ford  and  others  as  his  principal  argument, 
he  saying,  "  as  must  be  evident  to  you,  it  is 
impossible  to  control  our  people;  it  is  plainly 
apparent  what  they  are  doing." 

This  endorsement  by  the  Secretary  of 
State  of  the  value  of  Colonel  Hungerford's 
well-directed  movements  in  Mexico  for  the 
higher  and  national  interests  of  the  United 
States  and  the  entire  continent,  give  to  it 
the  consequence  it  is  by  just  right  entitled 
to.  It  must  have  been  very  gratifying  to 
Colonel  Hungerford,  for  it  closed  the  last  of 
his  military  endeavors  ;  and  no  one  who  has 
read  the  preceding  chapters,  will  fail  to  ac 
knowledge  that  he  has  ever  done  all  his  op 
portunity  allowed  him  to  do,  and  has  always 
fulfilled  his  duty  in  a  worthy  and  patriotic 
manner. 

During    the    Colonel's   stay  in    California, 


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*a/jf.UNt/p™t    {££'*&&?&'  '7. ^fx^- 

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ftru*  *<t/i/'  'SSaSf  <»Att)j*taitfc  t-fat  Atut 
//?j  4/a^  £ y.-nt,  &-»i,ni*x0x£_ 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  299 

engaged  in  the  raising  of  expeditions  to 
Mexico,  and  before  Grant  had  left  Washing 
ton  to  command  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
he  wrote  the  following  to  a  publication,  re 
garding  the  Virginia  campaign.  Coming  be 
fore  Grant  had  made  a  move,  it  is  remarka 
ble  as  pointing  out  in  advance  the  exact 
plan  of  the  General's  and  its  general  similar 
ity  with  that  of  McClellan's.  The  commu 
nication  is  as  follows  : 

"The  general  plan  of  Grant's  campaign  against  the 
rebel  capital  is  not  very  dissimilar  to  that  of  McClellan's, 
in  1862,  except  so  far  as  General  McClellan's  army  was 
very  considerably  diminished,  leaving  him  to  an  entire 
front  attack,  without  the  aid  of  demonstrations  to  divert, 
even  momentarily,  the  enemy's  attention.  It  was  ex 
pected  that  General  Wool,  and  subsequently,  General  Dix 
from  their  departments,  and  General  McDowell  from 
Fredericksburg,  would  make  such  demonstrations ;  more 
particularly  was  it  expected  from  General  Dix,  who  then 
occupied  Norfolk,  Portsmouth,  and  Suffolk,  and  might 
easily  have  threatened,  if  not  have  captured,  Petersburg. 
McDowell  should,  at  the  same  time,  have  made  a  stra 
tegic  manceuvre,  with  a  view  of  turning  the  rebel  posi 
tion.  These  movements  would  have  compelled  the  rebels 
to  send  oftt  a  corresponding  force  to  meet  them,  when 
the  rebel  capital  would  have  been  at  the  command  of 
McClellan.  The  defeat  of  Banks  and  Shields  would  not 
have  occurred,  and  the  great  terror  for  the  safety  of  the 
national  capital,  and  subsequent  disasters  of  the  seven 
days'  fight  we  would  have  been  spared  the  humiliation 


3OO  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

of ;  there  would  have  been  no  second  Bull  Run,  Fred- 
ericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  South  Mountain,  Antietam, 
Gettysburg  to  mourn  for,  and  the  war  much  nearer  its 
termination.  It  is  not  the  purpose  here  to  discuss  as  to 
who  was  at  fault  in  these  defeats  ;  but  to  show  a  similar 
ity  in  the  two  campaigns,  so  far  as  the  general  plans  are 
concerned.  At  present,  we  have  a  concerted  combination 
of  action  on  the  part  of  the  armies,  all  centering  to,  and 
for,  a  fixed  point  and  purpose.  McClellan  was  not  the 
General-in-Chief,  he  commanding  only  his  immediate 
army.  McDowell,  it  is  true,  was,  at  the  very  early  part 
of  the  campaign,  under  his  orders,  but  before  it  was  time 
to  make  the  movement,  he  withdrew  from  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  leaving  McClellan  entirely  upon  his  own 
resources,  without  the  hope  of  aid  or  assistance  from 
those  necessary  demonstrations,  or  the  means  of  military 
combination.  General  Grant,  however,  has  full  control 
and  command  of  all  the  armies  of  the  Union,  and  can 
order  such  movements,  attacks,  feints,  or  manoeuvres,  as 
he  may  seem  disposed,  and  is  now  using  all  the  availa 
ble  force  in  combined  and  harmonious  concert,  having  in 
view  one  real  and  principal  object  :  from  Butler  on  the 
South  of  the  James,  Smith  on  the  Peninsula,  Burnside 
from  the  direction  of  Fredericksburg,  and  Meade,  with 
the  greatest  army  on  the  inland  route,  all  converging  to 
the  center  of  attraction,  Richmond,  whose  doom  is  sealed, 
and  has  but  a  few  days  to  run. 

"C6RTES." 

"  Semper  Paratus  Patrice." 

While  the  Colonel  was  at  La  Paz,  an  ac 
cident  happened  whereby  a  prominent  citi 
zen  was  seriously  injured  by  a  gunshot 


t>ANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  30! 

wound,  breaking  his  right  arm  above  the 
elbow.  There  being  no  surgeon  at  La  Paz, 
the  Colonel  was  importuned  by  many,  and 
expressly  asked  by  the  United  States  Consul, 
Mr.  Elmer,  to  attend  the  case.  The  Colonel 
had  no  diploma ;  but  seeing  at  once  that  it 
was  a  case  of  necessity,  and  with-  his  usual 
characteristic  of  doing  the  best  he  could  un 
der  all  circumstances,  he  took  upon  himself 
the  responsibility  and  attended  the  patient 
with  the  happy  result  of  successfully  treat 
ing  him.  As  will  be  remembered  from  the 
preceding  pages,  he  had  already  had  consid 
erable  experience  in  the  study  and  practice 
of  medicine,  and,  though  lacking  the  diplo 
ma,  was  quite  as  well  qualified  in  point  of 
ability  as  if  he  had  possessed  it.  His  time 
was  so  constantly  occupied  while  he  was  in 
California,  that  he  was  unable  to  fulfill  all 
the  formalities  necessary  to  obtain  the  sheep 
skin. 

As  the  case  was  an  exceedingly  difficult 
one,  the  Colonel's  skill  in  the  management 
of  it  gained  him  considerable  reputation. 
The  population  of  La  Paz  being  poor,  and 
much  sickness  and  disease  prevailing,  he 
felt  it  his  duty  to  practice  the  profession  in 
general,  as  the  facilities  for  obtaining  medi- 


3O2  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

cal  assistance  were  very  meagre.  He  soon 
had  a  large  practice,  though  his  tender  heart 
and  generosity  of  character  were  not  adapt 
ed  to  the  gathering  of  large  fees  from  his 
patients.  No  one  ever  hesitated  to  consult 
him  because  of  their  poverty.  They  knew 
too  well  his  charitableness  and  kindly  feel 
ing,  and  they  felt  that  their  inability  to  pay 
would  never  ensure  any  less  sympathy  or 
less  able  treatment  at  his  hands.  Not  only 
did  he  soon  become  reputed  as  a  successful 
doctor  and  surgeon,  but  among  the  entire 
community  his  benevolence  and  charity  en 
deared  him  to  all. 

On  numerous  occasions  the  Doctor  held 
consultations  with  the  Surgeons  of  the 
United  States  Navy.  La  Paz,  being  a  coal 
ing  station,  was  frequently  visited  by  our 
men-of-war.  There  were,  at  one  time,  five 
anchored  in  the  harbor.  These  gentlemen 
never  for  a  moment  questioned  the  right  of 
the  Colonel  to  the  title  of  Doctor.  Men  of 
proven  professional  knowledge  themselves, 
they  knew  that  the  mere  possession  of  a 
diploma  did  not  always  make  a  man  worthy 
of  it  ;  and,  as  they  recognized  the  ability 
and  capacity  of  the  Colonel  (as  evidenced  by 
his  success  in  the  profession),  they  were  al- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORI).  303 

ways  quite  ready  to  exchange  opinions  and 
courtesies  with  him.  In  later  years,  how 
ever,  in  order  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  for 
mal  etiquette,  he  pursued  a  regular  course 
at  the  Toland  Medical  College  at  San  Fran 
cisco,  where  he  was  highly  esteemed.  There 
he  filled  the  important  position  of  Assist 
ant  Demonstrator  in  Physiology,  assisting  in 
many  intricate  and  difficult  operations/ 

In  1874,  he  left  La  Paz  for  a  tour  in  Eu 
rope.  In  leaving,  he  met  with  an  unexpected 
demonstration  upon  the  mole,  a  long  wharf 
of  about  three  hundred  yards  from  which 
passengers  embark  -  -  to  go  on  board  the 
steamer.  This  wharf  was  lined  by  two  rows 
of  women  and  children  dressed  in  their  hol 
iday  attire,  through  which  the  benevolent 
Doctor  had  to  walk  to  gain  the  stairway,  all 
kneeling,  and  with  clasped  elevated  hands 
imploring  God's  choicest  blessings  upon  their 
friend  and  benefactor,  the  kind-hearted  Doc 
tor.  The  Colonel's  heart  has  been  touched 
many  times  in  his  life,  but  never  has  he  felt 
so  deeply  moved  as  when  he  witnessed  the 
gratitude  of  such  a  multitude,  spontaneously 
rendered,  springing  from  the  heart  of  each 
one  of  them.  Those  poor  people  had  noth 
ing  to  give,  but  they  knew  who  had  done 


304  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

much  for  them  ;  the  philanthropic  "  Doctor 
Americano"  was  leaving  them,  and  they 
would  fain  testify  by  all  in  their  power 
their  gratitude  and  appreciation  for  his 
many  good  works.  But  the  thanks  of  those 
poor  simple  folk,  so  genuinely  and  feelingly 
given,  were  sweeter  and  far  more  accepta 
ble  to  the  Colonel  than  the  largest  fee  he 
had  ever  collected. 


CHAPTER    XL 

Arrival  in  Europe  —  Tour  of  the  Continent  —  Visiting 
Battlefields  —  In  Paris  —  Reception  to  General  Grant 
—  Return  to  the  States  —  Building  Railroads  —  En 
joying  Life  at  Villa  Ada,  Rome,  Italy. 

T  EAVING  La  Paz,  the  Colonel  journeyed 
to  Bruxelles,  Belgium,  where  he  joined 
his  family.  He  had  had  an  eventful  and 
stirring  life  in  the  States ;  from  New  York 
to  the  Mexican  War,  in  which  battles  he 
had  made  a  brilliant  record,  back  to  New 
York,  where  his  regiment  was  received  by 
such  a  reception  of  public  joy  and  demon 
stration  that  has  never  been  exceeded  in 
point  of  spontaneous  enthusiasm  and  grate 
ful  welcome ;  then  through  Mexico  again, 
this  time  as  a  pioneer  of  California,  taking 
the  overland  route  from  Vera  Cruz  to  San 
Francisco,  after  undergoing  innumerable 
difficulties,  sufferings,  and  dangers ;  in  Cali 
fornia  as  a  prominent  citizen,  taking  a 
prominent  part  in  the  development  of  the 
coast,  and  righting  at  the  head  of  a  com 
mand  that  he  himself  had  organized  against 

39 


306  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

the  Indians  in  Nevada ;  at  the  breaking 
out  of  the  Civil  War,  on  the  Peninsula, 
ever  ready  to  the  call  of  his  country,  and 
mentioned  in  the  official  reports  of  those 
bloody  conflicts  for  gallantry,  bravery,  and 
coolness ;  after,  the  Mexican  expeditions, 
and  then  settling  down  in  Mexico  to  an 
arduous  practice  as  physician  and  surgeon 
in  a  foreign  community.  He  therefore  con 
sidered  that  he  had  well  earned  a  vacation, 
the  first  he  had  ever  taken  in  his  bus)7  life. 
During  four  years  he  traveled  all  over  the 
Continent,  visiting  historic  places  and  points 
of  interest.  The  battle-grounds  of  Metz  and 
Strasbourg  were  gone  over  by  him,  and  the 
scenes  of  great  campaigns  in  Europe,  from 
Waterloo  in  Belgium  to  the  ancient  fields 
of  strife  of  the  old  Roman  Emperors  in 
Italy,  had  all  an  eager  attraction  to  the 
close-observing  Colonel.  Of  keen  and  appre 
ciative  nature,  those  four  years  of  obser 
vation  and  study  were  well-enjoyed  pleasure 
to  him.  Writing  from  Mexico,  his  letters 
have  portrayed  his  vivid  impressions  of  the 
beauties  of  nature.  In  the  Old  World,  the 
Italian  skies,  artistic  and  beautiful  France, 
picturesque  Switzerland,  the  storied  and 
castled  Rhine  of  Germany,  and  the  art  and 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  307 

sculpture  treasures  of  the  Continent  were  a 
revelation  of  delight  and  instruction  to  one 
that-  had  hitherto  known  but  the  majesty 
and  grandeur  of  the  scenery  of  his  own 
country.  Of  a  practical  bent,  he  took 
special  note  of  the  ways  of  living,  and  the 
difference  of  customs,  between  Europeans 
and  Americans,  and  enriched  his  mind  with 
information  and  statistics  that  are  of  such 
value  to  the  educated  traveler.  Fortunate 
is  he  who  has  the  pleasure  of  listening  to 
the  reminiscences  of  one  who  has  had  such 
an  experience,  living  an  active  and  adven 
turesome  life  during  the  most  stirring  times 
and  events  in  his  own  land,  and  having  a 
mind  stored  with  the  result  of  four  years 
of  keen  observation  and  appreciation  of  the 
scenery  and  the  manners  and  customs  of 
the  people  of  the  Old  World. 

In  1878,  the  Colonel,  after  finishing  his 
tour,  came  to  Paris,  where  his  beautiful 
home  was  the  scene  of  many  hospitalities 
extended  to  his  countrymen,  that  would 
find  their  way  to  the  gay  city.  Nothing 
gave  him  more  pleasure  than  the  greeting 
of  his  friends  and  acquaintances;  but  there 
was  no  one  more  welcome  at  his  board 
than  an  old  soldier,  nor  no  topic  more  con- 


308  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

genial  than  that  which  recalled  the  Mexican 
War,  the  early  days  of  California,  or  the 
Civil  War.  Speaking  fluently  French  and 
Spanish,  and  having  the  entree  of  the  best 
official  and  civil  society,  the  Colonel  gave 
many  brilliant  entertainments  to  the  elite 
of  the  Parisian  world,  and  fully  sustained 
the  reputation  of  his  countrymen  for  their 
liberal  and  magnificent  hospitality. 

On  the  evening  previous  to  the  opening 
of  the  Exhibition  of  1878,  he  gave  a  recep 
tion  to  the  American  visitors  and  the 
distinguished  people  who  had  gathered  in 
Paris  to  witness  the  opening  ceremonies  of 
the  next  day.  It  was  a  happy  thought  to 
unite  all  in  a  splendid  entertainment,  as  a 
kind  of  prelude  to  the  round  of  official 
gaieties  that  were  soon  after  to  begin.  To 
welcome  so  many  of  his  countrymen  on  a 
foreign  soil,  and  bring  about  the  meeting 
of  so  many  of  the  noted  people  of  America 
with  the  celebrities  of  France  and  other 
European  countries,  in  .such  a  cordial,  in 
formal,  and  fraternizing  manner,  was  the 
delightful  act  of  hospitality  that  he  con 
ceived  and  brilliantly  carried  out. 

Another  equally  delightful  and  apprecia 
tive  act  of  courtesy  was  the  reception  ten- 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORt>.  309 

dered  to  General  Grant.  He  had  come  to 
Paris  on  his  tour  around  the  world.  He  was 
a  comrade-in-arms  of  Colonel  Hungerford, 
during  the  Mexican  War.  The  latter  pro 
posed  to  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Mackay,  to  thus 
honor  the  General  who  had  won  the  proud 
title  of  the  most  distinguished  American 
soldier,  and  had  twice  held  the  highest  office 
in  the  gift  of  the  people.  Mrs.  Mackay  de 
termined  that,  although  on  a  foreign  soil,  her 
father's  renowned  comrade-in-arms  should  be 
welcomed  by  such  a  scene  of  dazzling  bril 
liancy  that  all  the  glories  of  the  Empire 
could  not  excel.  In  Paris  have  been  given 
many  entertainments  of  splendor  and  mag 
nificence,  but  never  one  that  surpassed  in 
gorgeousness  and  beauty,  the  reception  of 
fered  by  Mrs.  Mackay  to  the  "Hero  of  Appo- 
mattox."  Generals,  statesmen,  celebrities  of 
the  world,  and  noted  men  from  all  countries 
participated  by  their  presence  in  this  fete  of 
admiration  and  esteem  for  the  great  soldier- 
statesman.  The  resources  of  luxurious  and 
artistic  Paris  were  drawn  upon  to  their  ut 
most,  in  the  adornment  and  decoration  of 
the  magnificent  residence  of  Mrs.  Mackay. 
The  Champs  Elysees  that  night  gleamed 
with  the  light  and  glitter  of  the  most  cele- 


3IO  DANIEL    E.    IIUNGERFOkl). 

brated  social  event  that  was  ever  held  on 
that  world-noted  avenue. 

The  French  journals  were  amazed  at  the 
grand  tribute  of  a  private  American  family 
to  one  of  their  countrymen,  eminent  in  war 
and  the  pursuits  of  peace.  The  respect  and 
regard  of  Americans  for  their  public  men, 
regardless  of  politics,  could  not  have  been 
better  illustrated  than  by  this  regal  banquet 
to  one  who  had  been  twice  President  of 
their  country  and  leader  of  its  armies.  To 
describe  an  affair  which  has  been  already 

* 

fully  chronicled  in  almost  all  the  journals 
of  the  globe  would  indeed  be  superfluous. 
Suffice  to  say,  however,  that  in  all  the  fa 
mous  tour  of  General  Grant  around  the 
world,  when  splendor  of  Occident  and  lav 
ish  richness  of  Orient  were  rivaling  in  the 
entertainments  that  kings  and  potentates 
were  vying  with  each  other  in  his  honor, 
there  was  none  that  excelled,  in  beauty  and 
dazzle,  the  reception  given  him  by  his  old 
comrade-in-arms  in  the  art  center  of  the 
Old  World. 

How  times  had  changed  !  Thirty  years 
before,  both  subaltern  officers  in  Mexico, 
the  General  a  lieutenant,  the  Colonel  a  cap 
tain,  their  swords  flashing  together  in  a  se- 


DANIEL    K.     Ill    \(,KRFORD.  31  I 

ries  of  dashing  victories  ;  that  day,  both 
private  citizens  of  the  great  Republic.  One 
had  been  twice  commander  of  its  armies, 
and  the  twice  -  elected  of  the  Nation  ;  the 
other  had  made  a  gallant  record  in  three 
wars,  and  had  had  an  honorable  career  in 
civil  life,  yet  the  latter  was  then  giving  the 
former  the  finest  reception  he  had  ever  re 
ceived.  The  General  said,  during  the  course 
of  the  evening,  to  a  distinguished  states 
man,  as  they  were  conversing  together  in 
one  of  the  gilded  saloons,  that  he  had  al 
ways  considered  the  day  he  was  made  a 
second-lieutenant  in  the  United  States  army 
as  his  proudest  and  happiest  day  ;  but  he 
must  thereafter  reckon  another  with  it  in 
equally  joyous  remembrance,  —  the  reception 
given  in  his  honor  that  evening  by  his  old 
comrade-in-arms,  Colonel  Hungerford. 

In  the  fall  of  '78,  the  Colonel  returned  to 
the  United  States,  making  a  trip  through 
the  Western  and  coast  States,  and  living  his 
early  life  over  again  in  the  seeing  once 
more  of  the  scenes  of  former  days.  He  vis 
ited  Fort  Defiance,  which  he  built  twenty 
years  before  and  which  he  found  still  stand 
ing.  When  he  first  traversed  that  country 
it  was  as  a  pioneer,  when  all  was  virgin, 


312  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD. 

forest  soil  and  prairie.  The  treasures  of 
gold  and  silver  were  locked  in  nature's  em 
brace.  But  pushing,  energetic  Americans 
had  transformed  the  unknown  land  into  a 
region  of  thrift  and  prosperity,  that,  in  point 
of  material  civilization  and  progress,  is  no 
where  surpassed.  Men  like  Colonel  Hunger- 
ford,  brave  and  strong  hearted,  were  the 
forerunners  that  hewed  the  way  for  the 
thousands  and  millions  that  were  to  follow. 
What  a  keen  delight  to  return  after  those 
years,  to  talk  over  old  times  and  struggles 
with  others  like  himself,  who  had  borne  the 
brunt,  and  had  come  out  of  it  all,  men  of 
mark  and  standing.  Accompanied  by  his 
daughter,  Countess  Telfener,  his  son-in-law, 
Count  Telfener,  and  Mr.  Mackay,  all  won 
dered  and  were  delighted  at  the  wealth  and 
enterprise  of  the  great  West.  Everywhere 
they  were  welcomed  with  the  welcome  that 
only  the  big-hearted  Westerners  know  how 
to  give.  A  California  paper  speaks  of  the 
party  as  follows  : 

"  Distinguished  visitors,  Count  Telfener,  Ada,  Countess 
Telfener,  Colonel  Daniel  E.  Hungerford,  and  John  W. 
Mackay,  left  here  yesterday  morning-  for  Lake  Tahoe 
and  California.  Colonel  Hungerford  looks  no  older  than 
in  the  early  days  of  the  Comstock,  He  appears  to  be 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  313 

a  hale  and  rugged  man  of  about  forty  or  fcrty-five 
years  of  age.  He  is  a  very  young-looking  man  to  be 
the  father-in-law  of  Mr.  Mackay  and  the  Count.  Judg 
ing  from  what  he  has  thus  far  passed  through,  he  is 
good  for  one  hundred  years.  Colonel  Hungerford  met 
in  this  city  many  old-time  California  and  Nevada  friends, 
with  whom  he  was  greatly  pleased  to  talk  over  the  joys 
and  sorrows,  the  excitements  and  adventures  of  the  early 
days.  He  is  now  the  same  earnest,  cordial,  unassuming 
man  that  he  was  in  the  camps  of  California,  and  in  the 
tents,  brush  shanties,  and  canvas  houses  of  this  town, 
when  the  Comstock  was  young." 

*  i^Bacroit  Library 

"Colonel  Hungerford  arrived  in  California  in  i»4$. 
He  started  from  New  York,  and  went  to  Vera  Cruz, 
then  struck  across  the  country  and  finally  reached  the 
Pacific  at  Mazatlan.  Then  he  and  eleven  others  bought 
a  schooner ;  but,  after  knocking  about  in  it  for  a  time, 
found  it  unmanageable  on  account  of  some  defect  in  the 
steering  apparatus,  and  abandoned  it,  taking  to  the  land 
again.  The  party  suffered  terrible  hardships  before 
reaching  California.  On  one  occasion  they  were  four 
days  without  food,  and  three  days  without  water.  The 
Colonel  says  he  can  sympathize  with  Dr.  Tanner.  He 
says  he  has  been  in  many  battles,  and  endured  many 
hardships  in  the  Mexican  War  and  in  the  late  Rebellion ; 
but  in  all  of  it  he  never  suffered  as  he  did  on  the  trip 
from  Mazatlan  to  San  Francisco.  In  a  battle  there  was 
always  some  excitement  to  brace  him  up  to  endure,  but 
in  marching  and  starving  in  a  wilderness  it  was  a  dreary, 
dead  drag." 

"  The  Colonel  is  full  of  military  spirit,  and,  when  there 
is  any  fighting  going  on  within  his  reach,  he  has  always 
been  in  it.  He  even  took  a  hand  in  our  Pinte  War  in 


40 


314  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFOKR 

order  to  keep  in  practice.  He  received  a  military 
education,  not  at  West  Point,  but  at  a  private  military 
academy  in  New  York,  his  native  State." 

"He  was  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  and  in  some 
of  the  hottest  of  the  battles.  He  was  a  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  of  the  Thirty-sixth  New  York  Volunteers.  At 
the  Chickahominy  he  crossed  the  first  troops  that  got 
over  the  river,  holding  his  position  with  fifteen  hundred 
men,  until  a  destroyed  bridge  was  rebuilt  and  support 
reached  him.  In  the  early  days  of  California,  he  says 
he  was  broke  fourteen  times  in  one  summer,  in  mining, 
and  finally  came  out  eight  thousand  dollars  ahead  in 
the  fall.  In  1850,  he  wintered  at  Foster's  Bar  in  a  tent 
so  small  that  he  could  not  sit  erect  in  it,  was  obliged 
to  crawl  in  and  out  on  his  hands  and  knees.  Often  the 
snow  fell  to  such  a  depth  as  to  completely  cover  his 
tent,  and  he  would  have  to  dig  his  way  out  in  the 
mornings." 

"From  Lake  Tahoe  the  party  will  go  to  San  Fran 
cisco,  when  the  Colonel  and  the  Count  and  Countess 
will  return  overland  to  St.  Louis,  thence  will  go  down 
the  Mississippi  to  New  Orleans,  and  from  there  will  go 
directly  to  the  city  of  Mexico.  The  Count  goes  to 
Mexico  to  look  after  railroad  interests  held  in  that 
country.  He  is  also  interested  in  mines  in  Mexico,  but 
will  not  visit  them  on  this  trip  as  it  is  necessary  for 
him  to  be  in  Rome  in  November." 

In  Texas  the  Colonel  went  into  the  rail 
road  business.  Active  and  energetic,  he 
could  not  look  on  in  the  theater  of  busy 
life  and  bustle.  In  the  early  days  he  had 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  315 

cut  his  way  through  forest  and  thicket,  in 
his  pioneering  and  prospecting  expeditions. 
That  same  country  he  was  now  laying  rail 
roads  in,  and  joining  Mexico  to  the  States 
by  one  more  powerful  bond,  hastening  to 
the  union  of  the  two  peoples.  Surely  the 
march  of  progress  and  civilization  has  been 
wonderful.  What  has  taken  centuries  in 
the  Old  World  to  accomplish  is  done  in 
the  New  in  the  short  space  of  fifty  years. 
Colonel  Hungerford  had  fought  in  early 
manhood  in  Mexico,  and  the  brilliant  tri 
umphs  of  the  gallant  little  army  had  gained 
an  empire  of  territory,  containing  precious 
metals  and  bounteous  soil.  That  territory, 
inhabited  only  by  the  red  man,  he  had  ex 
plored  as  pioneer,  prospector,  and  soldier. 
Civilization  and  prosperity  had  •  changed  all, 
and  in  middle  life  he  returns  to  build  a 
vast  network  of  railway  through  that  same 
territory,  become  populous  with  cities  and 
villages,  and  smiling  with  fields  of  golden 
grain,  and  the  hand  of  the  husbandman 
reaping  an  abundant  harvest,  and  securing 
for  himself  the  blessings  of  peace  and 
content. 

The    Colonel    was   president   of   the    New 
York,   Texas    &    Mexican    Railway    for    five 


316  DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORI). 

years,  until  1885,  when,  unable  any  longer 
to  withstand  the  solicitations  of  his  family, 
he  left  Texas,  and,  crossing  the  continent 
took  sail  from  New  York  to  join  them  at 
the  beautiful  Villa  Ada,  Rome,  Italy,  a 
castled  residence  that  has  played  its  part 
in  Italian  history. 

Situated  on  high  ground  and  overlooking 
Rome,  the  panorama  of  the  Eternal  City  is 
before  one's  gaze  from  its  windows.  The 
meandering  course  of  the  Tiber  can  be  fol 
lowed  by  the  eye,  until  its  yellow  waters 
meet  the  waves  of  mighty  ocean  at  Ostia. 

Historical  incidents  and  pages  in  the  de 
velopment  of  the  world's  civilization  and 
Christianity  are  brought  vividly  to  the 
mind,  in  the  contemplation  of  the  very 
spots  in  which  the  scenes  have  been  en 
acted.  The  Sabine  Hills,  Frascati,  Tivoli, 
bring  the  thoughts  back  to  the  days  of  the 
old  Roman  Empire.  The  lofty  towers  of  St. 
Peter's,  and  the  glittering  cross  surmounting 
all,  rising  above  the  clouds,  is  embraced  in 
the  same  vista,  which  includes  in  its  scope 
the  Coliseum,  where,  in  the  time  of  pagan 
Rome,  Christ's  followers  were  torn  by  wild 
beasts,  and  suffered  martyrdom  for  their 
faith's  and  civilization's  sake. 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORI).  317 

Far  away  in  the  distance,  but  easily  per 
ceived  when  Italian  skies  are  radiant,  lie 
the  dancing  blue  waters  of  the  Summer 
Sea. 

The  Colonel's  study  overlooks  the  Cam- 
pagna,  where  in  ancient  times  were  mar 
shaled  the  rival  hosts  for  Rome's  subjuga 
tion.  The  fields  of  manoeuvres  of  the 
Roman  Legions  are  there,  as  they  existed 
in  the  ages  when  the  world  wras  new.  The 
sound  of  the  battle  drums  could  be  heard 
by  him,  were  the  sleeping  warriors  to  be 
aroused  by  the  tocsin,  for  the  assembling 
of  their  forces. 

Athens  and  Sparta  are  not  as  rich  in 
historic  lore,  nor  do  they  present  such  a 
scene  of  classic  beauty,  as  is  unrolled  before 
the  Colonel's  gaze  from  his  window  in  the 
Villa  Ada. 

In  no  other  spot  on  the  world's  surface 
are  there  so  many  ruins  and  monuments, 
marking  such  portentous  events  in  the 
earth's  history. 

It  is  in  this  inspiring  and  beautiful 
home  that  fate  has  decreed  that  the  golden 
sands  of  Colonel  Hungerford's  life  should 
run  out.  One  would  never  suppose  that 
"Fra  gli  arcadia"  Roma  is  the  same 


318  DANIEL    E.     IIUNGERFORD. 

cordial,  unpretentious  Colonel  Hungerford, 
of  Californian  days ;  )^et  such  it  is,  for  he 
has  been  made  a  member  of  the  Society, 
and  that  is  his  scientific  appellation.  Also, 
a  member  of  Academy  of  Sciences  of  Cali 
fornia  (corresponding),  much  of  his  time  is 
spent  in  research  and  the  acquirement  of 
special  knowledge.  Traveling  often  on  the 
Continent  in  the  evening  of  a  well-spent 
life,  he  is  enjoying  a  well-merited  repose. 
And,  though  his  declining  years  are  being 
passed  far  from  his  native  land,  and  under 
another  flag  than  his  own  beloved  starry 
banner,  yet  his  heart  is  loyal  and  true  to 
America,  the  land  of  his  birth. 

Men  like  him  never  change.  The  kindly 
heart,  the  generous  nature,  the  unassuming 
manner  are  with  him  to-day,  as  in  the  days 
of  yore.  With  kindred,  family,  and  romp 
ing  grandchildren,  in  his  study  among  his 
books,  the  American  flag  above  ,  his  desk, 
reminding  him  of  native  land  beyond  the 
sea,  nobody  will  deny  the  old  soldier  the 
peace  and  contentment  that  a  life  of  devo 
tion  to  country,  family,  and  friends  has 
justly  earned  for  him. 

It  may  be  permitted  for  me  to  repeat, 
in  closing  this  brief  narrative  of  the  life 


DANIEL    E.    HUNGERFORD.  319 

of  a  worthy  citizen  and  a  gallant  soldier, 
what  has  been  already  said  in  the  opening 
chapter  of  this  book,  that : 

Long  may  the  reaper  spare  him, 

To  those  that  love  him  best ; 

And  green  may  be  the  turf   above  him 

When  they  lay  him  to  his  rest. 


THE   END. 


